Pinus longaeva (Great Basin bristlecone pine)

Botanical name

Pinus longaeva

Other names

Great Basin bristlecone pine, Ancient pine, Intermountain bristlecone pine

Genus

Pinus Pinus

Species

P. longaeva - P. longaeva is a conical then irregular, long-lived, coniferous, evergreen tree with furrowed, reddish-brown bark, upturned branch tips, and needle-like, blue- to dark green leaves. Ovoid to cylindrical, spiny, green cones ripen orange.

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Irregular, Conical

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Colour

Foliage

Dark-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Adelgids , Aphids , Pine shoot moth , Sawflies

Diseases

This species is particularly susceptible to honey fungus.

Specific diseases

Pine needle cast , Honey fungus

General care

Pruning

Little or no pruning required.

Propagation

Tends to hybridise freely with other species. Sow seed in a cold frame in autumn.

Propagation methods

Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Pinus longaeva (Great Basin bristlecone pine) will reach a height of 15m and a spread of 10m after 20-50 Years.

Suggested uses

Specimen tree, Low Maintenance, Foliage only, Architectural

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Suitable for coastal sites and sandy soil. Will not tolerate shade. Tolerates moderate drought. Extremely long-lived, this species represents that oldest know living organism on Earth.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Pinus longaeva (Great Basin bristlecone pine)

Common pest name

Dothistroma needle blight; Red band needle blight

Scientific pest name

Dothistroma septosporum

Type

Fungus

Current status in UK

Present (Limited)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

General biosecurity comments

Fungal pest of pine; already present in UK of particular concern in Scotland

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Pinus longaeva (Great Basin bristlecone pine)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Ips subelongatus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

General biosecurity comments

Pest of conifers with EU regulation helping to mitigate against the entry on conifer wood from non-European sources. Also present in European Russia with a similar range to Ips typographus; for which the UK has a protected zone with requirements on conifer wood.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Pinus longaeva (Great Basin bristlecone pine)

Common pest name

Red turpentine beetle

Scientific pest name

Dendroctonus valens

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

General biosecurity comments

Bark beetle native to the Americas but causing serious damage to pine trees following its introduction to China. Existing regulations provide protection against risk of introduction; although residual pine bark sometimes remains on packaging material and manufactured products. Research on fungal species will help better assess the susceptibility of UK pine species and to prepare a PRA. Targeted surveillance to be carried out at points of entry.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/