Mugo Pine

(Pinus mugo)

Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Pinus mugo, commonly known as Mugo Pine or Mountain Pine, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the high elevation habitats of the European Alps, Pyrenees, and Carpathian Mountains. It typically grows much smaller in cultivation, reaching heights of 3-20 feet (1-6 meters) with a similar spread, often with a rounded, dense form. In its native habitat, it is found in subalpine zones and mountainous regions, often forming dense shrubby areas. The Mugo Pine has dark green, needle-like leaves and produces small, inconspicuous yellowish flowers, followed by brown, woody cones. Its slow growth rate and compact size make it suitable for small gardens and rockeries.

Mugo Pine is valued for its hardiness and adaptability, often used in urban landscaping, as ground cover, or for bonsai. It thrives in a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained, and it can tolerate drought once established. It prefers full sun but can also grow in part shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to pine needle scale and sawfly. Gardeners should be cautious about its potential to spread aggressively in some regions, where it can outcompete native vegetation.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 20-10 feet
  • Width: 25-5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

High elevation habitats of the European Alps, Pyrenees, and Carpathian Mountains

Other Names

Common Names: Mugo Pine , Bog Pine , Dwarf Mountain Pine , Mountain Pine , Scrub Mountain Pine , Swiss Mountain Pine , Mugho Pine , Borovice Klec , Kosodrevina , Bjerg-Fyr

Scientific Names: Pinus mugo , Pinus rostrata , Pinus montana var. humilior , Pinus mugo f. applanata , Pinus mugo var. rostrata , Pinus applanata , Pinus montana f. hausmannii , Pinus montana f. slavinii , Pinus montana subsp. prostrasta , Pinus montana var. applanata

GBIF Accepted Name: Pinus mugo Turra