Pinus, Genus, tabuliformis, Species,
- Genus & species
Chinese red pine
Overview
Pinus tabuliformis is an evergreen conifer reaching 40–80 feet (12–24 m) tall, with a crown that is conical when young and flat-topped to rounded with age, 20–35 feet (6–11 m) wide. Needles are held in bundles of two, stiff, dark green, 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) long, and persist 3–5 years. Bark is grey-brown and deeply fissured into plates, and turns red-brown on the upper trunk. Pollen cones 0.5–1 inch (1.2–2.5 cm) long cluster at shoot bases in April–May. Seed cones are ovoid, 1.6–3.5 inches (4–9 cm) long, brown, and remain on the branches for several years, with a raised umbo on each scale. Winged seeds ripen in the autumn of the second year. Growth is 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) per year when young. Trees tolerate drought, wind, alkaline soil, and temperatures to −13°F (−25°C). Wet soil causes root rot, and shade reduces needle density and growth.
Native Range
Native to northern and central China, from Liaoning and Hebei west through Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, and Sichuan, at elevations of 330–8,500 feet (100–2,600 m). Grows on dry mountain slopes and ridges in pure stands or mixed forest, in acidic, neutral, and calcareous soils.Suggested Uses
Planted for erosion control and afforestation on dry mountain slopes in northern China, and as a specimen or windbreak in large landscapes at 15–20 foot (4.5–6 m) spacing. Also used in bonsai. Mature size limits use in small gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height40' - 80'
Width/Spread20' - 35'
Bloom Information
Pollen cones release pollen in April–May in zones 5–8, with shedding lasting 1–2 weeks per tree. Female cones are pollinated in spring, and seeds ripen in the autumn of the second year, about 18 months later.
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
Trees grow in full sun in well-drained sandy, loamy, or rocky soil at pH 5.5–8.0. Water weekly during the first 2 growing seasons; established trees tolerate dry spells of 4–6 weeks. Soil that stays wet causes root rot, and shade slows growth. The Chinese pine caterpillar (Dendrolimus tabulaeformis) defoliates trees in northern China, and tip blight occurs in humid summers. Trees tolerate winter temperatures to −13°F (−25°C).Pruning
Little pruning is needed. Candles can be cut by half in late spring to limit growth and increase density. Dead and low branches are removed in winter, and cuts into leafless old wood do not produce new shoots.Pruning Schedule
Prune: May–June
late spring
