| Leaves:
Needles in groups of 2 and 3; 3" to 10" long; yellow-green;
less sharp-pointed than those of Austrian pine; somewhat twisted;
evergreen, remain on tree 3-6 years.
Twigs/buds: Twigs stout; orange-brown; smell like turpentine when
crushed. Buds about 1/2" long; usually covered with resin droplets;
cinnamon-brown colored.
Flowers/fruit: Fruit a woody cone; very short to no stalk; 3"
to 6" long; reddish-brown; each scale armed with a short, sharp
spine.
Bark: Dark brown to black on younger trees; older trees have large,
thick plates, orange to cinnamon-red, separated by deep furrows;
inner bark has vanilla smell.
Wood: Very important; sapwood white to yellow; heartwood yellow
to light brown; growth rings distinct; used for lumber, millwork,
and railroad ties.
General: Native to mountainous areas in southern two-thirds of
Utah and throughout the West. Normal growth rate is relatively slow.
Resists fires with thick bark. Drought resistant. Shade intolerant. Landscape Use: Occasionally planted when a large, long-needled
pine is desired in the landscape. Austrian pine is similar in appearance
and more readily available in nurseries. Zones 3-7.
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