code: 5053
This is a very attractive, native pine. Shows adaptability to a wide range of soil conditions. Give this tree room it will become quite large with age. Fast growth becoming open and airy with age.
Hardy to -30°F
Maximum Elevation: 11,000 Feet
Disease, pest, and problem
Less troubled by pests and diseases than other pines.
Disease, pest and problem resistance
Branches are flexible and less prone to storm damage.
Native geographic location and habitat
Native to the Rocky Mountains in Western U.S. and Canada
Bark color and texture
Young trees have smooth, light gray bark. Older trees develop a blocky, scaly texture and turn grayish brown.
Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture
Needles are 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches long, in bundles of 5 and tend to be clustered at tips of branches.
The dark bluish-green needles slightly curved or twisted, persisting 5 to 6 years.
Flower arrangement, shape, and size
Monoecious (male and female flowers on the same tree in separate structures), male flowers clustered, female flowers solitary or in 2’s or 3’s
Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions
Cones are 3 to 6 inches long, upright at youth, turning pendulous at maturity.
Cultivars and their differences
Extra Blue limber pine (Pinus flexilis ‘Extra Blue’): This cultivar has more intense blue color and is fast growing. Grows 25 feet high and 15 feet wide.
Vanderwolf’s Pyramid limber pine (Pinus flexilis ‘Vanderwolf’s Pyramid’ ): This cultivar is faster growing than the species and has a very upright pyramidal habit. The needles are a bright blue-green color and twisted.
Information:
Mature Size (generic) : TREE (30-50′ Tall) • Average Width
USDA Hardiness Zone : 4, 5, 6, 7
Water Needs : Moderate
Light Needs : Partial Sun, Full Sun
Growth Rate : Moderate
Mature Height : 30-50 ft.
Mature Width : 15-35 ft.
Name : Limber Pine
