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Overview
Pinus arizonica is an evergreen conifer reaching 50-80 feet (15-24 m) tall with a spread of 25-40 feet (7.6-12 m) and a conical to broadly rounded crown. A three-needle pine, the needles are 5-7 inches (13-18 cm) long, dark green, held in fascicles of 3 (occasionally 4-5), somewhat stiff and spreading. The bark on young trees is dark gray-brown, developing thick reddish-brown to cinnamon-brown plates with deep furrows on mature trunks. Cones are ovoid, 2-3 inches (5-8 cm), light brown, with small prickles on the scales. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy to zone 6. Native to high elevations in the mountains of Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico. Closely related to P. ponderosa and sometimes treated as a variety (P. ponderosa var. arizonica spp.). More drought tolerant and heat-adapted than P. ponderosa.
Native Range
Pinus arizonica is native to the mountains of southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and northern Mexico (Chihuahua, Sonora, Durango), in montane forests at 6,000-9,000 feet (1,800-2,700 m).Suggested Uses
Planted as a shade tree or specimen at 25-35 foot (7.6-10.7 m) spacing in dry, warm-summer climates. More heat tolerant than P. ponderosa. Reddish-brown plated bark develops character with age. Large tree—not suited to small gardens. Not suitable for wet, humid, or poorly drained sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height50' - 80'
Width/Spread25' - 40'
Reaches mature size in approximately 40 years
Bloom Information
Male strobili shed pollen in April-May. Female cones mature in 2 years to 2-3 inches (5-8 cm), ovoid, light brown with small prickles.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Male strobili Apr-May; female cones ovoid 2-3 inches light brown with small prickles; 2-year maturationFoliage Description
Dark green; stiff needles 5-7 inches in fascicles of 3 (occasionally 4-5)Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight