Only var. sibirica, described here, occurs in China; var. semenovii (B. Fedtschenko) Farjon (A. semenovii B. Fedtschenko) occurs in Kyrgyzstan and differs as follows: branchlets prominently ridged and grooved; resin canals marginal; seed cones yellowish brown; bracts broader.

A vulnerable species in China. The timber is used for construction, furniture, and wood pulp.