Pinus engelmannii (Apache Pine)


Botanical Information

FamilyPinaceae
GenusPinus
Speciesengelmannii
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (evergreen)
OriginThe apache pine is found mainly in Mexico but there is also a limited distribution in the United States of America in southeastern Arizona.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
Lumber.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone2a - 8b
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone0a - 8a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH4 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)23
Temperature (°F)73
Height15 - 25 m
Spread6 - 8 m
GrowthFast

Description and Growing Information

ShapeUpright shape, typically having a rounded crown.
LandscapeUsed in reforestation and conservation programmes and in recent years commercial plantations.
PropagationPropagated exclusively through seed. It does not produce cones until 30 years old where it then takes 2 years to mature and drop its seed. For best chance at germination, broken and washed mineral soil is recommended. Production for nursery seedling takes 10 - 12 months. Where in the last 3 months preconditioning shades are removed thus exposing seedlings to direct sunlight to prepare them for final field planting.
CultivationSandy soils with excellent drainage. It prefers full sun once properly established. Moderately acidic soils are preferred (pH 5- 6.8) with an average temperature of 14°C.
PestsYounger trees are susceptible to shoot moths. Mature trees can be susceptible to colonization by southwestern dwarf mistletoe. Bark beetles may also be an issue.
HabitatHigh and dry mountain areas. Usually found in slightly acidic sandy loam, or rocky soils with excellent drainage.
Bark/Stem DescriptionWhen mature it develops deep splits and cracks (furrows) creating a narrow platy look. Very thick bark to almost 4 cm.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionOval or cone-shaped growing up to 2 cm long with fringed scales on sides.
Leaf DescriptionThe needles are one of the longest of the pines, growing up to 25 - 45 cm long and 2 mm thick with coarsely saw-like margins. They are often drooping, originating at branch tips. Found in fascicles of 3 - 5 needles that are held in a persistent sheath 3 - 4 cm long.
Flower DescriptionMale flowers are a cylindrical shape measuring about 2 cm long. The female flowers are smaller than the male flowers.
Fruit DescriptionThe sessile cones are oval in shape. They are about 13 - 18 cm long growing in pairs or whirls of 3 -5 cones. The cone scales are tipped with small prickles. Seeds are about 8 - 9 mm long with a wing about 20 mm long.
Colour DescriptionThe leaves are a dull green colour. Male flowers are yellowish-purple in colour, while the females have a reddish tinge. Sessiles that are a dull brown colour. The pollen cones are yellow. Young bark is dark brown in colour and as it matures the bark lightens in into a yellow tinge around the ridges.
Texture DescriptionWhen young the bark is quite smooth, as it matures it develops deep furrows creating a narrow plate like patterns. The depth of these splits and cracks makes for a very coarse texture.

Photographs