Mugo Pine
Pinus mugo
- Native to:
- Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Germany, Italy, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Switzerland, Ukraine
Geo-Science-International
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Pinaceae
- Genus:
- Pinus
- Species:
- Pinus mugo
- USDA Symbol:
- PIMU80
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 400 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Evergreen Shrub:
- Yes
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
European pine shoot moth (Rhyacionia buoliana), Exoteleia dodecella, Exoteleia nepheos, pine devil moth (Citheronia sepulcralis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 7.0 (acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to mountainous regions, tolerates poor soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy; sow in well-drained seedbed.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.