Pine, Limber
Pinus flexilis
Pinaceae - Pine

Description

Leaves: Needles in groups of 5; 1-1/2" to 3" long; rigid; dark green; covered with lengthwise rows of fine, white lines; evergreen, remain on tree 5-6 years.

Twigs/buds: Twigs stout; very flexible; glabrous; silver-white to gray. Buds 1/3" to 1/2" long; pointed.

Flowers/fruit: Monoecious. Fruit a woody cone; short stalked; 3" to 8" long; light brown; thick, non-pointed scales; large, wingless seeds.

Bark: Thin; smooth; white to gray.

Wood: Unimportant; light and soft.

General: Native to higher elevations in Utah and the interior West. Often very long-lived and slow growing, occurring on dry, harsh sites. Very shade intolerant. Southwestern white pine (Pinus strobiformis) is thought by some to be a variety of limber pine (P. flexilis var. reflexa); it has cone scale tips that curve back toward the base.

Landscape Use: Seldom used but should be more often; nice dark green color and very tough; don't over- water. Zones 4-7.

Cultivars: 'Columnaris', 'Extra Blue', 'Glauca', 'Glauca Pendula', 'Glenmore Dwarf', 'Millcreek', 'Nana', 'Pendula', 'Vanderwolf's Pyramid'.

Characteristics

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