Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine

(Pinus aristata)

Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine (Pinus aristata)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Pinus aristata, commonly known as Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine, is an evergreen tree native to the high mountains of the southern Rocky Mountains and the Intermountain West in the United States, particularly in Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. It thrives in alpine and subalpine zones, often on rocky, well-drained soils. This species is adapted to harsh conditions, including cold temperatures, high winds, and poor soils, which contribute to its slow growth rate and longevity. The typical height ranges from 2–6 m (8–20 ft) with a width of 3–4.5 m (10–15 ft), and the trunk diameter can be highly variable. The bark is distinctive, being grey-brown, thin, and scaly at the base. The tree is notable for its dense, resinous wood and its needles, which are arranged in fascicles of five and can persist for up to 30 years.

Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine is valued for its unique, gnarled appearance and its ability to withstand challenging conditions, making it a popular choice for rock gardens and as a specimen tree in small gardens within cold climates. It is also appreciated for its slow growth, which allows it to fit into landscapes without the need for frequent pruning. In cultivation, it requires full sun, low water once established, and well-drained soils to prevent root decay, which is a common issue when grown outside its native, arid environment. It is less long-lived in cultivation than in the wild, with a lifespan typically less than 100 years due to more humid conditions that favor root diseases.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 20-30 feet
  • Width: 10-15 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden

Natural Habitat

High mountains of the southern Rocky Mountains and the Intermountain West, particularly in Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona

Other Names

Common Names: Colorado Bristlecone Pine , Hickory Pine , Interior Bristlecone Pine , Foxtail Pine , Grannen-Kiefer , Hickory-Kiefer , Grannenkiefer , Pin Aristé , Pino Aristato , Rävsvanstall , BĀSutorukŌN-Matsu

Scientific Names: Pinus aristata , Pinus balfouriana var. aristata , Pinus balfouriana subsp. aristata

GBIF Accepted Name: Pinus aristata Engelm.