Canary Island Pine

Pinus canariensis

Native to:
Canary Is.

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Taxonomy

Division:
Coniferophyta | - Conifers
Family:
Pinaceae
Genus:
Pinus
Species:
Pinus canariensis
USDA Symbol:
PICA15

Growth Characteristics

Height:
4000 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Nantucket pine tip moth (Rhyacionia frustrana)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Highly fire-adapted with thick, corky bark that insulates cambium. Resprouts vigorously from trunk and branches after fire damage, a trait unusual among pines.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, volcanic, well-drained soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to Canary Islands' volcanic slopes

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment. Optimal germination at 15-20°C.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI