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Pinus flexilis

Also Known As

Limber Pine
Rocky Mountain White Pine
Southwestern White Pine

Plant type

tree, conifer

size

H: 40'-60'
W: 25'-40'

planting zones

4a-8b

More Options

Pinus flexilis plant details

Pinus flexilis is an evergreen conifer tree. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun and regular - occasional water. Does well in average, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Pinus flexilis

Plant type: conifer tree
Plant family: pinaceae
Mature size: 25 FT - 40 FT - wide, 40 FT - 60 FT - tall
Uses: bonsai

GROWING CONDITIONS for Pinus flexilis

USDA Zones: 4a - 8b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This beautiful gnarled pine comes from the wind-swept, timberline ridges of the Rocky Mountains (with smaller populations scattered throughout the western U.S.). In the mountains, this tree reaches 15-30', but with more hospitable conditions this lovely and adaptable conifer can reach up to 60' in height. Its pliable branches give it the common name of Limber Pine. This member of the white pine group, features lovely blue-green 3" needles and long cones which hold large edible seeds. An incredibly long-lived species with trees dating close to 3,000 years old! S/M-D

By: Forestfarm

The Limber Pine is an extremely tough species found through the Rocky Mountains from New Mexico to Canada where it can survive on mountain peaks at higher elevations than other tree species can grow. It is similar to the closely related Whitebark Pine (Pinus albicaulis) and also has a similar habit to the Bristlecone Pines which are more distantly related. The Limber Pine is an excellent choice for bonsai because of its short needles, thick trunk, and dense branches. It also develops far more branches near the base of the tree than most other conifer species.

Trees develop thick foliage and an upright habit when grown under normal low elevation conditions, but at high elevations Limber Pines develop twisted, gnarled forms from extreme wind and heavy snow loads. Each tree is very unique in its appearance and often develops a trunk several feet in diameter even though the tree only reaches five or six feet tall. Bonsai enthusiasts often recreate this contorted and flattened habit with this species but it can also be done on a larger scale in the landscape with regular and careful pruning.

Like other high elevation pines the Limber Pine prefers well drained soil and full sun, although some shade is okay. If you don't have well drained soil try creating a soil mound four to five feet wide and three feet tall and plant the tree on top of the mound as this will provide the roots with extra drainage.