Semi-desert, foothills. Woodlands, openings. Late spring/ early summer.
Behind the Rocks Wilderness Study Area, Utah, April 14, 2009.

Oldest branches are dark, middle-aged are brown, and youngest are buff.  Some branches lean a bit but overall the shape is vertical.

Semi-desert, foothills. Woodlands, openings. Late spring/ early summer.
McElmo Canyon, Canyon of the Ancients National Monument,  April 27, 2005.

Semi-desert, foothills. Woodlands, openings. Late spring/ early summer.  Mesa Verde National Park, July 9, 2010 and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument,  April 27, 2005.

Seed pods are eye-catching and the outer shell is persistent.