Bishop Pine

(Pinus muricata)

Bishop Pine (Pinus muricata)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Pinus muricata image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Pinus muricata, commonly known as Bishop Pine, is an evergreen tree native to the coastal fog belt of California and the northern part of Baja California, Mexico. It is adapted to a Mediterranean climate with wet winters and dry summers. Bishop Pine typically grows to a height of 15–25 meters with a trunk diameter of up to 1.2 meters. In exposed coastal areas, it often appears smaller, stunted, and twisted due to the harsh conditions. The species has dark green needles and produces cones that can remain closed for years; they open to release seeds after exposure to fire or extreme heat, an adaptation to its fire-prone native habitat.

Bishop Pine is valued for its ornamental qualities and has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. It is used in parks and gardens for its attractive form and as part of reforestation projects. The tree’s ability to withstand coastal winds and salt spray makes it suitable for seaside plantings. It requires full sun and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While it prefers medium amounts of water, it is somewhat drought-tolerant once established. Gardeners should be aware that in some environments, it can become invasive and outcompete native species.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 45-75 feet
  • Width: 20-40 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

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

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

Natural Habitat

Native to the coastal fog belt of California and northern Baja California, adapted to a Mediterranean climate

Other Names

Common Names: Santa Cruz Island Pine , Prickle-Cone Pine , Obispo Pine , Swamp Pine , Bischofs-Kiefer , Stachel-Kiefer , Pino Peninsular , Pino De Cono Picudo , Pino Remorata , Pin D’Antony

Scientific Names: Pinus muricata , Pinus remorata , Pinus muricata var. remorata , Pinus muricata var. muricata , Pinus muricata var. borealis , Pinus muricata var. stantonii , Pinus edgariana , Pinus muricata subsp. anthonyi , Pinus remorata var. remorata , Pinus muricata f. remorata

GBIF Accepted Name: Pinus muricata D.Don