Pinus aristata

Also Known As

Bristlecone Pine
Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine

Plant type

tree, shrub, conifer

size

H: 15'-20'
W: 10'-15'

planting zones

4a-7b

More Options

Pinus aristata plant details

Pinus aristata is a slow-growing evergreen conifer shrub or tree with green foliage. and brown and purple fruit. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun and regular water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant and wind tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Pinus aristata

Plant type: conifer shrub or tree
Plant family: pinaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 10 FT - 15 FT - wide, 15 FT - 20 FT - tall
Uses: bonsai, container plant, dense, globose, rock garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Pinus aristata

USDA Zones: 4a - 7b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt and wind
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This very slow-growing, little pine 8-20' of the wind-torn high-elevation mountain tops of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and New Mexico is perhaps one of the prettiest of the pines, noted by naturalist John Muir to be "ever irrepressible and extravagantly picturesque"; its blue-green needles are strikingly dotted with white resin flecks; a beautiful addition to the landscape and an outstanding bonsai specimen. S/M-D/GDr

By: Forestfarm

A fairly slow-growing species of pine that develops as a multi-stemmed, shrubby tree. Needles are bright green and flecked with prominent white resin spots.

By: Conifer Kingdom

The Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine (Pinus aristata) is a short needle conifer and is one of three species of Bristlecone Pine (the other two are Pinus balfouriana - the Foxtail Pine, and Pinus longaeva - the Great Basin Bristlecone Pine). All three are closely related to each other and are adapted to growing in harsh conditions where no other trees can survive (and therefore have no competition). There is a fourth similar species, the Whitebark Pine (Pinus albicaulis) which is more distantly related but grows in similar environments.

Typically these species grow at extremely high elevations on unsheltered ridges where they endure deep snow and high winds through the winter, which prevents these trees from growing very tall. The form of each individual tree will vary depending on its growing site; although trees planted in sheltered locations will have a dense Christmas tree shape, those growing on exposed mountaintops often look more like gnarled bushes.

Because the tops of the trees often get broken off in winter storms, these trees have developed persistent clumps of active buds that remain for decades near the base of the tree and at the base of most of the branches. If the main trunk breaks off, the tree will still have many buds all along its stem to produce new trunks. Coupled with the tight clumps of short needles, the branching pattern makes this one of the best pine species for bonsai use. Trees can easily be shaped into an ancient-looking gnarled tree with thick, twisted branches that mirrors a mature tree.

Bristlecone Pines are extremely long-lived and an individual tree can survive for thousands of years. In fact, the oldest living tree in North America is a Great Basin Bristlecone Pine in California that is over 4,700 years old. The average life expectancy for any of the Bristlecone species seems to be around 2,000-3,000 years, depending on the growing location.

When growing any of the Bristlecone species in cultivation, it is important not to overwater them. They naturally grow in steep, rocky soils that are free draining and don't tolerate constantly wet soil throughout the summer. If you have compact soil like clay or silt then we recommend planting on the top of a raised mound 2-3' high and 3-4' wide to provide drainage. Avoid fertilizing with fast-releasing fertilizers like manure or Miracle Grow because the roots burn easily. Osmocote is a slow release fertilizer that is suitable for low-nitrogen using plants like Bristlecone Pines. We apply half the recommended dose of Osmocote every April with good results.

By: Red Panda Nursery

Evergreen conifer tree that is dwarf, slow growing, and shrubby in youth. It is usually found at higher elevations of the Western United States. Great for bonsai or rock gardens. Growth Rate slow

By: Garden World

Short dark green needles with resinous white pitch spots. Drought tolerant. Hardy to zone 4

By: Lael's Moon Garden

A very slow growing, small tree or shrub native to the White Mountains of California. Individual trees of this pine are known to be over 4,000 years old, with some estimated at 7,100; thus, they are the oldest living things on earth. Only grows 3-6" a year and after many years can reach a height of 20'. Fine, short, dark green needles are heavily marked with pitch exudations, creating a silvered effect. Growing at low elevations, the separated branches take on the look of long, fat, bottle brushes. Excellent for bonsai. Unique in the landscape.