Southwestern White Pine

(Pinus strobiformis)

Southwestern White Pine (Pinus strobiformis)

pinidae

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Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: pinidae | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: MPF | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Pinus_strobiformis,_San_Miguel_de_la_Sierra,_Jalisco,_Mexico_1.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description= (nl:Veldbeemdgras) [[Poa pratensis]] |Source=Picture taken by myself |Date=~~~~ |Author=~~~~ |Permission= |other_versions= }} {{GFDL}} |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Pinus strobiformis, commonly known as Southwestern White Pine, is an evergreen tree native to the mountains of the southwestern United States and Mexico, including mixed conifer forests and high elevation habitats. It can reach up to 30 meters tall and 1 meter in diameter, with a straight, slender form. The bark on young trees is smooth and silvery-gray, maturing to a furrowed texture with a red-brown or dark gray-brown color. Branches are spreading and ascending, contributing to the tree’s open, airy crown. The cones are notably large, ranging from 16–50 cm in length and 9–11 cm in width, with scales that have a distinctive prolonged and often recurved or S-shaped apex. Seeds are large with a very short wing, primarily dispersed by birds such as the Mexican jay.

Southwestern White Pine is valued for its drought tolerance and is used in landscapes as a Christmas tree, windbreak, or ornamental tree, especially in arid regions where it serves as a substitute for the Eastern White Pine. It thrives in full sun and requires medium amounts of water, performing best in soils with slow to medium drainage. While it is a drought-tolerant species, it naturally occurs in moist, cool areas, often in association with Pinus hartwegii and Pinus rudis. This pine is relatively low-maintenance and can add a stately presence to large spaces. However, gardeners should be aware of potential issues such as white pine blister rust and bark beetles, which can affect the health of the tree.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree
Height: 30-60 feet
Width: 6-12 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium, Slow

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, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to the mountains of the southwestern United States and Mexico, including mixed conifer forests and high elevation habitats

Other Names

Common Names: Mexican White Pine , Chihuahua White Pine , Border Limber Pine , Border White Pine , Pinabete , Pino Blanco , Pino Enano , Pino Nayar , Pin Nayar

Scientific Names: Pinus strobiformis , Pinus ayacahuite var. brachyptera , Pinus ayacahuite var. novogaliciana , Pinus ayacahuite subsp. strobiformis , Pinus ayacahuite var. strobiformis , Pinus bonapartea , Pinus novogaliciana , Pinus strobiformis subsp. carvajalii , Pinus strobiformis var. carvajalii

GBIF Accepted Name: Pinus strobiformis Engelm.