Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database

Kingdom Plantae – Plants

Subkingdom Tracheobionta – Vascular plants

Superdivision Spermatophyta – Seed plants

Division Coniferophyta – Conifers

Class Pinopsida

Order Pinales

Family Pinaceae – Pine family

Genus Pinus L. – pine

Species Pinus aristata Engelm. – bristlecone pine

This magnificent pine is included with the Northwest natives, although it naturally occurs just outside the Northwest, high in the mountains of Colorado and Arizona.

It is hardy to USDA zone 4, thriving in full sun and rocky soil where it is unaffected by drought or wind.

This extremely slow-growing tree reaches 30’ and often develops multiple stems and delightful, contorted shapes. Some speculate that these fine trees live "forever" and indeed some have reached 5,000 years.

This white pine has five 1” needles, continually covered with white resin dots.

The cones are 3½” long with purple hues and very sharp scales.

This small tree lends itself well to small gardens and bonsai and, because it rarely looses its needles, it makes an excellent potted plant or Christmas tree.