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Pine, Bristlecone
Pinus aristata |
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Native to the high elevations of the southern Rockies, Bristlecone
Pine is a long-lived tree, surviving upwards of a thousand years.
(Great Basin Bristlecone Pines, a related species, are the oldest
trees known, surviving more than 4,600 years.) Densely-clustered
needles at the ends of the branches give this tree its other common
name, Foxtail Pine. A good tree for rock gardens, bonsai, and container
gardens. |
Height: 30’
Crown Spread: 15’
Growth Rate: slow Foliage: dark green, one- to one-half-inch-long
needles in bundles of 5, needles remain on tree for many years
Fruit: purplish-brown cones three-and-one-half inches
long
Soil: requires well-drained soils and can tolerate
infertile and highly acid soils
Water: low
Sun: full
Problems: scale Comments: Transplant when small (less
than 3 feet tall). Bristlecone pine will grow faster with additional
water but will die in poorly-drained soils. Tolerates windy locations,
can be pruned to encourage denser branching.
Street Tree: limited use because of bushy shape and
low branches |
