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(Pinus longaeva)
Great Basin Bristlecone Pine (Pinus longaeva)
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Photo by Easyscape
CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo by Easyscape
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | CC BY-SA 4.0
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Pinus longaeva, commonly known as Great Basin Bristlecone Pine, is an evergreen tree renowned for its incredible longevity, with some specimens surpassing 4,000 years in age, making it one of the oldest known living organisms on Earth. It is native to the high-elevation, arid regions of the White Mountains in California, as well as similar environments in Nevada and Utah, where it thrives in dolomite-rich soils. Typically, this species reaches 5 to 15 meters (16 to 49 feet) in height and has a trunk diameter of up to 2.5 to 3.6 meters (8 to 12 feet). The bark is a distinctive bright orange-yellow, thin and scaly at the base. Its needles, which can persist for up to 45 years, are among the longest-lived of any plant. The Great Basin Bristlecone Pine is notable for its gnarled and stunted appearance, particularly in specimens at high altitudes, where harsh conditions contribute to its twisted form.
The Great Basin Bristlecone Pine is valued for its unique aesthetic and historical significance rather than for ornamental display. It is seldom used in typical garden settings but may be found in botanical gardens and arboreta. This tree is adapted to harsh conditions and is best suited for full sun exposure with low to medium water requirements and well-drained soils. It is not commonly affected by pests or diseases, but its slow growth rate and specific soil preferences can make it challenging to cultivate. Due to its slow growth and unique adaptations, it is not recommended for general urban planting but may be used in xeriscaping and naturalistic landscapes to emulate its native high desert environment.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Great Basin Bristlecone Pine is valued for its unique aesthetic and historical significance rather than for ornamental display. It is seldom used in typical garden settings but may be found in botanical gardens and arboreta. This tree is adapted to harsh conditions and is best suited for full sun exposure with low to medium water requirements and well-drained soils. It is not commonly affected by pests or diseases, but its slow growth rate and specific soil preferences can make it challenging to cultivate. Due to its slow growth and unique adaptations, it is not recommended for general urban planting but may be used in xeriscaping and naturalistic landscapes to emulate its native high desert environment.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 25-36 feet
- Width: 15-25 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, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant
Natural Habitat
Native to high-elevation, arid regions of the White Mountains in California, and similar environments in Nevada and Utah, thriving in dolomite-rich soils
Other Names
Common Names: Western Bristlecone Pine , Intermountain Bristlecone Pine
Scientific Names: Pinus longaeva , Pinus aristata var. longaeva , Pinus aristata subsp. longaeva , Pinus balfouriana subsp. longaeva
GBIF Accepted Name: Pinus longaeva D.K.Bailey