Woody > Pinus > Pinus lumholtzii > Pinus lumholtzii
Pinus lumholtzii
Origin: Native to Mexico, this species of pine only grows in 6 states. Those states are: Chihuahua, Durango, Zacatecas, Nayarit Jalisco, Aguascalientes, and in the Sierra Madre. Brought into the market in 1894 by Robinson et Fernald.
Mike's
Opinion
"
Pinus lumholtzii, commonly known as the Lumholtz Pine or the Sad Pine, is an attractive tree that has many uses in a Latin American landscape. Although it is native to warm, temperate climates, it would be a lovely feature in a greenhouse or cultivated hot house.
Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)
"
| Family |
| Pinaceae |
| Genus |
| Pinus |
| Species |
| lumholtzii |
| Category |
| Woody |
| Type |
| Tree (evergreen) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone |
| 8 |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone |
| 8b |
| RHS Hardiness Zone |
| H4 |
| Temperature (°C) |
| (-10) - (-5) |
| Temperature (°F) |
| 14 - 23 |
| Height |
| 20 m |
| Spread |
| 10 - 15 m |
Photographs
Cultivars
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Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
| General Description |
| The tree form is tall and pendulous, with outstanding soft needles weeping down. The P. lumholtzii pine is known to have the smallest pine cone in Mexico. Vibrant green with a yellow tint where the needles meet the fascicles. |
| Landscape |
| This species is extremely hard to come by in its natural habitat, therefore it appears on the list of threatened species. This species has hit a decline due to timber logging in pine forests. If you were to find one, it would most likely be in the lower slopes of the Sierra Madre. Usually growing less abundant, these trees are not found in clusters. |
| Cultivation |
| Pinus lumholtzii needs warmer climates for optimal growth, and can withstand temps that go as low as -8. They are a full sun species, needing sandy, well draining soil conditions. Where they are native, they usually get 500-600mm of rain annually. This species thrives better in elevations of 1500-2900 meters. |
| Shape |
| Pinus lumholtzii has dense pendulous needles. Its overall form can be very sporadic; some look uniform, with others looking obscure. No two look similar. |
| Growth |
| Medium |
| ID Characteristic |
| Pinus lumholtzii has fascicles arranged in bundles of 2-3. Weeping down ward. Small rounded cones with scales that point out, being one of the smallest cones on a pine in Mexico. |
| Pests |
| Pinus lumholtzii in native areas are not prone to any insect or diseases. This species has not had any major pests, however with the decline in population there hasn't been enough research. When logging, more risks come for different reasons. |
| Habitat |
| Pinus lumholtzii is typically found in the Sierra Madre, growing in the lower slopes. This species of pine is hard to find, only growing in 6 states of Mexico. |
| Bark/Stem Description |
| Pinus lumholtzii has a thin main stock to the tree, reddish brown in colour, with deep grooves giving it a nice texture. New growth has a slight copper tint before maturing. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description |
| This tree grows pollen cones sparsely throughout the new growth on the canopy. Each cone grows between 20 – 30 mm in each instance. |
| Leaf Description |
| Forming in fascicles of 2-3, long thin soft needles. The needles are green in colour with a yellow tint, forming in dense bundles. |
| Flower Description |
| The flower that occurs are thin, rounded stalks that point upward. These stalks are a yellow/ brown colour. As they age they turn into the cones. |
| Fruit Description |
| Pinus lumholtzii cones are small and rounded, with scales pointed outward. They are a light ashy brown. Very small spines on scales, and it is known as one of the smallest cones in Mexico. |
| Colour Description |
| Pinus lumholtzii doesn't go through many season changes. As a juvenile, the colour is a bright vibrant green. As it ages, the colour becomes deeper with a yellow contrast. As for the cones, when they first start emerging they are a dusty yellow, and emerge to an ashy brown. |
| Texture Description |
| Needles are soft, not sharp or pointy. Bark has extremely defined, beautiful features. |
| Notable Specimens |
| no noticeable specimens to this date. Not an economically significant species. |
| Propagation |
| Propagation of the Sad Pine works best through cuttings. The cuttings should be taken in the early spring, planted in perlite, and watered in the early morning and late evening. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses (Disclaimer) |
| Pinus lumholtzii have been over exploited in timber, used today mainly for mining. Dating back, the timber was used for indigenous culture to hand make tools. |
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