Pine, Limber
Pinus flexilis
Pinaceae - Pine
Description
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: Monoecious. 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.
Cultivars: 'Columnaris', 'Extra Blue', 'Glauca', 'Glauca Pendula', 'Glenmore Dwarf', 'Millcreek', 'Nana', 'Pendula', 'Vanderwolf's Pyramid'.
Characteristics
General
Family | Pinaceae - Pine |
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Cultivar Availability | Yes |
Hardiness Zone | 4-7 |
Type | Conifer |
Utah Native | Yes |
Growth
Growth Rate | Low |
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Mature Height | Medium |
Longevity | High |
Is Good Under Power Lines | No |
Crown Shapes | Pyramidal |
Ornamental
Bark | No |
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Fall Color | No |
Flowers | No |
Foliage | Yes |
Fruit | No |
Tolerance
Shade | Low |
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Salt | Medium |
Drought | High |
Poor Drainage | Low |
Alkalinity | Medium |
Transplanting | Medium |