Bristlecone Pine
Bristlecone pine is a bushy, irregularly-shaped native evergreen tree. It has long, dark green needles that cover much of the branches. It produces interesting white resin specks on the needles. The needles and branches are quite dense, and its overall shape varies from conical to very irregular.
Good soil drainage is essential, making bristlecone pine a good choice for hot, dry exposed sites. It is not a good choice for planting in a regularly-watered lawn.
A long-lived tree, some bristlecone pines in nature are around 4,000 years old.
Bristlecone Pine
Bristlecone pine is a bushy, irregularly-shaped native evergreen tree. It has long, dark green needles that cover much of the branches. It produces interesting white resin specks on the needles. The needles and branches are quite dense, and its overall shape varies from conical to very irregular.
Good soil drainage is essential, making bristlecone pine a good choice for hot, dry exposed sites. It is not a good choice for planting in a regularly-watered lawn.
A long-lived tree, some bristlecone pines in nature are around 4,000 years old.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Pinus aristata
Pronunciation
PY-nus a-ris-TAH-tuh
Mature Height
20 to 30 ft.
Mature Spread
15 to 20 ft.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
NA
Bloom time
NA
Colorado Native
Yes
Natural Habitat
Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 2-7
Elevation Limit
hardy to 11,000 ft.
Performance
At the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, the bristlecone pine has grown into a stately specimen tree. When watered periodically in the landscape setting, they grow much larger than they do in nature. It has had no insect, disease, or any other pest problems.
Maintenance
None usually required under normal conditions. Selective pruning may be needed to shape the tree over time.