It lives in moist soils in cool wet mountain forests at elevations of 1500–2800 m. It is very shade-tolerant when young, but is not long-lived.

The name is derived from John Gould Veitch, who saw the common species on Mount Fuji in 1860 and identified it for European botanists.

They are glossy dark green above with two conspicuous bluish white stomatal bands underneath, and the tips are notched.

The bark is smooth and light grey, and has resin blisters characteristic of many firs.

There are two varieties: The wood is sturdy and elastic, and is used in construction, boxes, utensils, and spindles.