Pinus longaeva
great basin bristlecone pine
Overview
Pinus longaeva is an evergreen conifer in the pine family that grows slowly to 15–50 feet (5–15 m) tall, with a trunk often twisted and partly stripped of bark in exposed sites. In the most extreme high-elevation conditions it forms a low, gnarled tree with much of the trunk dead and only narrow strips of living bark and foliage. The needles are stiff, 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) long, in bundles of five, and persist on the branches for 10 to 40 years, giving the foxtail-like branch tips a dense brush appearance. The bark is reddish-brown and shallowly furrowed on younger trunks. Pollen cones are reddish in early summer; the seed cones are 2.5–3.5 inches (6–9 cm) long, purplish when young, ripening brown over two years, with a slender incurved bristle on each scale. Individual trees in the White Mountains of California have been documented at more than 4,800 years old. The species grows on dry, alkaline dolomite and limestone soils at 9,500–11,500 feet (2,900–3,500 m). Growth is slow, and seedlings may take decades to reach a few feet tall.
Native Range
Native to the Great Basin of the western United States, in scattered high mountain ranges of eastern California, Nevada, and Utah. It grows near the alpine treeline on dry, rocky, alkaline soils derived from dolomite and limestone.Suggested Uses
Pinus longaeva is grown as a slow-growing specimen conifer in rock gardens, alpine collections, and dry, well-drained landscapes in cold-winter regions. Its twisted form and dense foxtail foliage suit containers and troughs where growth stays compact. It is planted mainly in arboreta and specialist gardens because of its slow growth and exacting drainage needs.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 50'
Width/Spread10' - 25'
Reaches mature size in approximately 100 years
Bloom Information
Pinus longaeva is wind-pollinated and produces no showy flowers. Reddish pollen cones release pollen in early summer, usually June and July at high elevation. Seed cones take two years to ripen, turning from purple to brown before shedding winged seeds.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark greenGrowing 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Pinus longaeva grows in full sun on dry, alkaline, sharply drained rocky or gravelly soils and tolerates limestone and dolomite substrates. It withstands cold, wind, and prolonged drought but grows slowly, often only a fraction of an inch in trunk diameter per decade. It needs sharply drained soil and fails in wet, rich, or poorly drained ground. Young plants establish in cool, open, high-light conditions and do not tolerate high humidity or root competition. Supplemental water is rarely needed once established. The species is long-lived and low-maintenance where soil drainage and climate suit it.Pruning
Pinus longaeva needs no routine pruning and holds a naturally irregular form. Dead or broken branches can be removed at any time, though dead wood is part of the tree''s natural structure in old specimens. Pruning to shape is rarely done and is not required for health.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons