Taxonomy

Division:

Coniferophyta | - Conifers

Family:

Pinaceae

Genus:

Pinus

Species:

Pinus pungens

USDA Symbol:

PIPU5

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Tree

Height:

1500 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

apr,may

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

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

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Table Mountain Pine is highly fire-adapted with serotinous or semi-serotinous cones that release seeds after fire. Resprouts poorly but regenerates prolifically from seed post-fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rocky, sandy, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.0 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

often found on steep, rocky slopes

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification. Light may enhance germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI