Limber Pine
Pinus flexilis
Family: Pinaceae or Pine
Leaves: Needles in groups of 5; 1-1/2" to 3" long; rigid; dark green; covered with lengthwise rows of fine, white lines; evergreen, remain on tree 5-6 years.
Twigs/buds: Twigs stout; very flexible; glabrous; silver-white to gray. Buds 1/3" to 1/2" long; pointed.
Flowers/fruit: Fruit a woody cone; short stalked; 3" to 8" long; light brown; thick, non-pointed scales; large, wingless seeds.
Bark: Thin; smooth; white to gray.
Wood: Unimportant; light and soft.
General: Native to higher elevations in Utah and the interior West. Often very long-lived and slow growing, occurring on dry, harsh sites. Very shade intolerant. Southwestern white pine (Pinus strobiformis) is thought by some to be a variety of limber pine (P. flexilis var. reflexa); it has cone scale tips that curve back toward the base.
Landscape Use: Seldom used but should be more often; nice dark green color and very tough; don't over-water. Zones 4-7. Southwestern white pine (zones 5-9) could be used in Utah landscapes; it has a nice blue-green needle color and makes a good Christmas tree.