Pinus longaeva (Great Basin Bristlecone Pine, Western Bristlecone Pine, Intermountain Bristlecone Pine)


Michael's Opinion

This interesting specimen is known to live over 5,000 years. Its harsh environment causes the plants growth to be very slow thus resulting in the longevity of each specimen.

Botanical Information

FamilyPinaceae
GenusPinus
Specieslongaeva
SynonymsPinus aristata var. longaeva
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (evergreen)
OriginSouthwestern United States of America in the White Mountains of California and throughout southern Nevada and Utah.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4a
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone2a - 6b
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7 - H6
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-43) - (-18)
Temperature (°F)(-45) - 0
Height5-15 m
Spread2-8 m
GrowthSlow

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionAn intriguing plant with its ability to live for an astonishingly long period of time. Its slow growth creates an extremely dense wood which aids in its resistance to fire damage, disease, rot, insect and fungal infections. The strong winds endured in its habitat sculpt the trees wood giving it a striking and distinguishable appearance.
ID CharacteristicTwisting and turning like a stretched and torn piece of clay, the appearance of bristlecone pines can be quite remarkable. The exposed wood is carved like stone by sand and ice being whipped up from harsh weather conditions. A very thick trunk supports a somewhat small but dense canopy.
ShapeVery irregular, odd shape almost bottle-brush like.
LandscapeNot a common landscape plant as it does not perform well outside of its dry arid natural habitat.
PropagationPropagation from seed and grafting.
CultivationTo achieve a slower growth rate, new growth should be pruned back once a year. This is not mandatory and care should be taken when doing so.
PestsWhite pine blister rust.
HabitatHigh elevations in the southwestern United States of America. The largest population is in the White Mountains of California. Most populations grow between 1,700 m and 3,500 m above sea level.
Bark/Stem DescriptionBark is reddish brown in colour and fades slightly as the tree ages. Young bark is smooth, however develops deep irregular grooves as it matures.
Leaf DescriptionNeedles approximately 2-4 cm in length, and are rather firm with a sharp point. Found in fasciles of five, some trees can retain their needles for over 20 years.
Fruit DescriptionCones, uniform in shape, 7 cm in length and 3 cm wide with a slight purple hue.
Colour DescriptionRed to brown coloured bark, foliage is green to yellow-green (younger needles are lighter in colour than older needles).
Texture DescriptionVery rough looking appearance, a rugged plant.

Photographs