Description

Leaves: Needles in groups of 2 and 3; 3" to 10" long; yellow-green; less sharp-pointed than those of Austrian pine; somewhat twisted; evergreen, remain on tree 3-6 years.

Twigs/buds: Twigs stout; orange-brown; smell like turpentine when crushed.  Buds about 1/2" long; usually covered with resin droplets; cinnamon-brown colored.

Flowers/fruit: Monoecious.  Fruit a woody cone; very short to no stalk; 3" to 6" long; reddish-brown; each scale armed with a short, sharp spine.

Bark: Dark brown to black on younger trees; older trees have large, thick plates, orange to cinnamon-red, separated by deep furrows; inner bark has vanilla smell.

Wood: Very important; sapwood white to yellow; heartwood yellow to light brown; growth rings distinct; used for lumber, millwork, and railroad ties.

General: Native to mountainous areas in southern two-thirds of Utah and throughout the West.  Normal growth rate is relatively slow.  Resists fires with thick bark.  Drought resistant.  Shade intolerant.

Landscape Use: Occasionally planted when a large, long-needled pine is desired in the landscape.  Should be planted more.  Austrian pine is similar in appearance and more readily available in nurseries.  Zones 3-7.

Cultivars: 'Canyon Ferry', 'Gumdrop', 'Hiwan', 'Little Joe', 'Marquerite', 'Mary Ann Heacock', 'Pendula', 'Tortuosa'.

Characteristics