Bristlecone Pine
Pinus aristata
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Pinaceae
- Genus:
- Pinus
- Species:
- Pinus aristata
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- More than 40 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun
- Bloom Colors:
- Purple
Native Range
United States: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Eucosma bobana
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, sandy, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to high elevations with harsh conditions
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Seeds are removed from storage and placed in water at room temperature for 12 - 18 hours. The moistened seed is then placed into self-sealing, polyethylene baggies and stratified for 28 days at temperatures ranging from 2 to 4°C.
Establishment: The protocols do not conflict. The seeds are collected from entire cones harvested by hand from trees when they begin to turn purple and brown along cone scale edges, typically in September through early October. The plant is found in high elevation forests of Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado at 2500 to 3400 m elevation.
Source: npn.rngr.net