Limber Pine
Pinus flexilis
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Pinaceae
- Genus:
- Pinus
- Species:
- Pinus flexilis
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- More than 40 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun, jul, aug
- Bloom Colors:
- Red, Green, Purple
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
Argyresthia flexilis, Coleotechnites lewisi, Douglas-fir tussock moth (Orgyia pseudotsugata), Eastern Panthea (Panthea furcilla), Eucosma bobana, Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), Sugar pine tortrix (Choristoneura lambertiana), Western spruce budworm (Choristoneura occidentalis), Zenophleps lignicolorata, Entomologist's hairstreak (Incisalia eryphon)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- commonly found on slopes and ridges
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Seeds are cleansed with a 3:1 water/bleach soak for 8 minutes, followed by a 48 hour running water rinse. Seeds are then placed in cold moist stratification for 60 to 90 days at 34-37°F in fine mesh bags buried in moist peat moss in ventilated containers under refrigeration.
Establishment: Cones are collected in late September when they are yellowish brown and before cone scales are opened. Cones are cut from branches using pruning poles and hand pruners. Cones are kept in burlap sacks in the drying shed prior to cleaning. Seeds are brown at maturity. There are some regional variations in the timing of cone collection.
Source: npn.rngr.net