Pinus flexilis 'Vanderwolf's Pyramid' (Vanderwolf's Pyramid Limber Pine)

Michael's Opinion

Vanderwolf’s Pyramid has a refined pyramidal form with a dense cluster of needles at the end of the branchlets. The interesting outline and branching habits stand out more when planted alone. It is very adaptable and is a low maintenance plant with few problems. Its ornamental value lies in the showy dark green and silvery-blue twisted needles. Vanderwolf’s Pyramid is a very durable tree with flexible branches that can actually be tied into a knot. It was one of only two pines that were not seriously wind burned or injured during the difficult winter of 1976-77 in Chicago.

Botanical Information

FamilyPinaceae
GenusPinus
Speciesflexilis
Cultivar'Vanderwolf's Pyramid'
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (evergreen)
ReferencesRichardson, David. Ecology and Biogeography of Pinus. Cambridge, United Kingdom: The Press Syndicate of the University of Cambridge, 1998. Print. Barney, C. W. Limber pine. In: Eyre, F. H., ed. Forest Cover Types of the United States and Canada. Washington, DC: Society of American Foresters: 1998-99.
OriginIntroduced into commerce by Vermeula Nursery of New Jersey in 1972.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4 - 7
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone2a - 6b
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH5 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-34 - (-12)
Temperature (°F)-30 - 10
Height6 - 9 m
Spread3 - 5 m
GrowthSlow

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionPinus flexilis 'Vanderwolf’s Pyramid' is a dense, broad, pyramid-shaped evergreen tree. Needles are dark green with silvery blue undersides. Bark is smooth, light grey or grey-green that may turn grey-brown as the tree matures.
ID CharacteristicAttractive dark green and silvery-blue needles are in fascicles of five and densely crowded at branchlet ends. Flexible, shiny green stems can be tied in a knot.
ShapeUpright pyramidal form.
LandscapeUsed in landscape plantings such as parks, estates, shopping centres and public areas. Has an interesting silhouette and branching habit with showy silvery-blue dark green foliage which make it a good solitary feature or in small groups as opposed to mass plantings. A handsome specimen with great adaptability; often used for screening, shade or windbreak.
CultivationVery adaptable though it grows best on rocky slopes. Prefers moist, well-drained soil and will grow well in full sun or partial shade.
PestsLow maintenance with few problems. White pine blister rust, a bark disease that is usually fatal, is the biggest danger. The earliest symptoms are indistinct chlorotic spots on the needles.
Notable SpecimensThe Gardens of Fanshawe College, London, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionLight grey or grey-green when in it's early stages and turns a grey-brown as it matures. Tough, flexible branches are separated by deep fissures.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionSharply pointed with an ovoid shape, about 1.3 cm long.
Leaf DescriptionAttractive dark green, silvery-blue needles in fascicles of five, densely crowded at the end of branchlets, sharply pointed, and to about 5 - 7.5 cm long.
Fruit DescriptionShort-stalked sub terminal cones, light brown and quite resinous, 7.5 - 15 cm long and 2.5 - 5 cm wide, erect when young and hang pendulously when mature.
Colour DescriptionBark is light grey-green when young, becoming grey-brown as the tree matures. Needles are dark green with a silvery-blue underside. The cone is light brown.
Texture DescriptionMedium texture: smooth bark and sharply pointed needles.

Photographs