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Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
8 - 10These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancetender
Overview
Pinus montezumae is an evergreen conifer reaching 60-100 feet (18-30 m) tall with a spread of 30-50 feet (9-15 m) and a broadly rounded to flat-topped, spreading crown carried on a stout trunk. This Mexican pine carries gracefully drooping needles 8-15 inches (20-38 cm) long in fascicles of 5 (occasionally 4 or 6), blue-green to gray-green, creating a heavy weeping foliage texture. Needle length is exceeded by few other pine species. Cones are ovoid to conical, 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long, and dark brown at maturity. Bark is thick, dark reddish-brown to blackish, and deeply furrowed on mature trunks. Growth rate is moderate to fast in mild climates and slow under cold-stress conditions. Hardy to USDA zone 8; frost damage occurs below 15 F (-9 C) and the species is marginal in zone 7 even with shelter. Non-toxic. Tolerant of moderate heat and drought once established. Limited cold hardiness restricts cultivated planting to mild coastal areas of the Pacific Northwest and to warmer USDA zones 8-10 across the country. Named for the Aztec emperor Montezuma.
Native Range
Pinus montezumae is native to Mexico and Guatemala, in montane pine-oak forests at 6,000-12,000 feet (1,800-3,700 m) in the mountains of central and southern Mexico.Suggested Uses
Used as a specimen in mild-climate gardens and large estates in zones 8-10 at 25-40 foot (7.6-12 m) spacing. The very long drooping needles create a heavy weeping foliage texture not produced by most other pines and read clearly at a distance. Fast growth rate in warm areas reaches mature size in 25-35 years. Cold hardiness limit at USDA zone 8 rules out most temperate climates; the species is restricted to mild-winter coastal and southern locations and not suited to cold-winter regions, frost pockets, or sites where temperatures regularly drop below 15 F (-9 C). Mature size requires 30-50 foot (9-15 m) spread clearance, so not suited to small gardens or sites where space is limited.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height60' - 100'
Width/Spread30' - 50'
Reaches mature size in approximately 40 years
Bloom Information
Male strobili shed pollen in March and April. Female cones mature over two growing seasons to 4-8 inches (10-20 cm), ovoid to conical, and dark brown.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Male strobili shed pollen in March-April; female cones mature over 2 years to ovoid to conical 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long, dark brownFoliage Description
Blue-green to gray-green; gracefully drooping needles 8-15 inches (20-38 cm) long in fascicles of 5 (occasionally 4 or 6); needle length is exceeded by few other pine speciesGrowing 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