Pinus aristata
Common Name(s):
Bristlecone pine
Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine
Synonym:
Pinus bafouriana subsp. aristata
Colorado Bristlecone Pine
Flower:
No Flower
Blooms :
to:
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
NO
Family:
Pinaceae
Tree, Conifer
Foliage:
Green
Bottlebrush type needles covered with resin dots, 5 needles per bundle
Fall Color?
YES
Green foliage
Evergreen
Photo by:
Heading 6
Contorted gnarled branches, deep green needles
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
NO
Origins:
Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Water Needs:
L
Sun Needs:
Full sun
Deer Resistant?
YES
Firewise?
NO
Height:
10-30'
Spread:
15-20'
Growth Rate:
Slow
Native Habitat:
Mountains of Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona (the San Francisco Peaks) at elevations of about 7,500 ft (2300 m) to 12,000 ft
Soil:
Poor dry rocky soils, alkaline or acid
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Best not to fertilize
Mulch:
Gravel, rock mulch, light pine needles
Needs exceptionally well-drained rocky soil, infrequent deep watering, minimal pruning
Long Term:
Winter:
Give occassional watering if dry, protect from drying winds, gently remove snow, mulch if not done in fall
Spring:
Apply a slow-release acidifying fertilizer for evergreens, only trim dieback, dead wood in April or My before new growth commences, water only when dry
Summer:
Needs full sun, infrequent deep watering, dry gravelly well-drained soil, only trim candles to control growth
Fall:
Deep water before ground freezes, mulch, brush away dead interior needles, trim dead wood or crossing branches
General Care Comments:
Needs full sun, extemely well-drained sandy or rocky soil, water only when dry, no fertilizer, exceptionally slow-drowing
Common Problems
Poor drainage, susceptibility to pests
Diseases:
White pine blister rust, needle cast, root rot, dwarf mistletoe
Insects:
Susceptible to scale, aphids, pine shoot tip moth larvae, adelgids, conifer sawfly larvae, mountain pine beetles
Environmental Problems:
Fire, warming temperatures
Pests:
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