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Pinus yunnanensis
Yunnan pine
SW China (Yunnan, Sichuan, Guizhou, Guangxi, N Myanmar/Vietnam; montane pine forests 3000-10000 ft / 900-3000 m)
Overview
Pinus yunnanensis 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 broadly conical to open, spreading crown. A three-needle pine, the needles are 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long, drooping and flexible, bright green to yellowish-green, in fascicles of 3 (occasionally 2). The long, drooping needles give a soft, graceful texture similar to P. montezumae but with brighter green coloring. The cones are ovoid, 3-4 inches (8-10 cm), with small prickles. The bark is thick, dark gray-brown, deeply furrowed into rough plates. Growth rate is moderate to fast. Hardy to zone 8. Native to the Yunnan plateau of southwestern China at high elevations. Young trees often have strikingly long, drooping needles that become somewhat shorter on mature trees.
Native Range
Pinus yunnanensis is native to southwestern China—primarily Yunnan province, extending into Sichuan, Guizhou, Guangxi, and northern Myanmar and Vietnam—in montane pine forests at 3,000-10,000 feet (900-3,000 m).Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen in mild-climate gardens at 20-35 foot (6-10.7 m) spacing. The extremely long drooping bright green needles create a soft, graceful texture. Fast growing in warm climates. Zone 8 minimum. Large tree. Not suitable for cold-winter areas, small gardens, or exposed windy sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height50' - 80'
Width/Spread25' - 40'
Reaches mature size in approximately 35 years
Bloom Information
Male strobili shed pollen in March-April. Female cones mature in 2 years to 3-4 inches (8-10 cm), ovoid with small prickles.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Male strobili Mar-Apr; female cones ovoid 3-4 inches with small prickles; 2-year maturationFoliage Description
Bright green to yellowish-green; extremely long drooping flexible needles 6-12 inches in fascicles of 3Growing 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