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Woody > Pinus > Pinus longaeva > Pinus longaeva

Pinus longaeva


Great Basin Bristlecone Pine, Western Bristlecone Pine, Intermountain Bristlecone Pine




Origin:  Southwestern United States of America in the White Mountains of California and throughout southern Nevada and Utah.
            Mike's Opinion

this is Mike

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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.



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

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Family
Pinaceae
Genus
Pinus
Species
longaeva
Category
Woody
Type
Tree (evergreen)
Synonyms
Pinus aristata var. longaeva
USDA Hardiness Zone
4a
Canadian Hardiness Zone
2a - 6b
RHS Hardiness Zone
H7 - H6
Temperature (°C)
(-43) - (-18)
Temperature (°F)
(-45) - 0
Height
5-15 m
Spread
2-8 m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
General Description
An 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.
Landscape
Not a common landscape plant as it does not perform well outside of its dry arid natural habitat.
Cultivation
To 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.
Shape
Very irregular, odd shape almost bottle-brush like.
Growth
Slow
ID Characteristic
Twisting 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.
Pests
White pine blister rust.
Habitat
High 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 Description
Bark 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 Description
Needles 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 Description
Cones, uniform in shape, 7 cm in length and 3 cm wide with a slight purple hue.
Colour Description
Red to brown coloured bark, foliage is green to yellow-green (younger needles are lighter in colour than older needles).
Texture Description
Very rough looking appearance, a rugged plant.
Propagation
Propagation from seed and grafting.
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