Pinus armandii

This beautiful and decorative Chinese species features drooping, glaucous leaves and decorative cones. While reaching perhaps 50-70' in the garden this tree can reach 115' in the wild. As a member of the white pine group, the pretty grey-green needles are in bundles of 5. The seeds of this species are often harvested and sold commercially as pine nuts, however, they are believed to be responsible for 'pine mouth syndrome' where the bitter flavor of the nuts last for days or even weeks! It is still a wonderful ornamental and its lumber is used for building. The lovely evergreen pine is considered to be emblem of longevity in China. S/M-D