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Woody > Pinus > Pinus flexilis > Pinus flexilis 'Vanderwolf's Pyramid'

Pinus flexilis

'Vanderwolf's Pyramid'


Vanderwolf's Pyramid Limber Pine




Origin:  Introduced into commerce by Vermeula Nursery of New Jersey in 1972.
            Mike's Opinion

this is Mike

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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.



Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)

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Family
Pinaceae
Genus
Pinus
Species
flexilis
Cultivar
'Vanderwolf's Pyramid'
Category
Woody
Type
Tree (evergreen)
USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 7
Canadian Hardiness Zone
2a - 6b
RHS Hardiness Zone
H5 - H7
Temperature (°C)
-34 - (-12)
Temperature (°F)
-30 - 10
Height
6 - 9 m
Spread
3 - 5 m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
General Description
Pinus 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.
Landscape
Used 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.
Cultivation
Very adaptable though it grows best on rocky slopes. Prefers moist, well-drained soil and will grow well in full sun or partial shade.
Shape
Upright pyramidal form.
Growth
Slow
ID Characteristic
Attractive 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.
Pests
Low 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.
Habitat
Horticultural origin.
Bark/Stem Description
Light 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 Description
Sharply pointed with an ovoid shape, about 1.3 cm long.
Leaf Description
Attractive 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 Description
Short-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 Description
Bark 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 Description
Medium texture: smooth bark and sharply pointed needles.
Notable Specimens
The Gardens of Fanshawe College, London, Ontario, Canada.
References
Richardson, 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.
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