Pinus flexilis ‘Vanderwolf’s Pyramid’

Pinus flexilis ‘Vanderwolf’s Pyramid’ (19/09/2014, Central Park, Manhattan, New York)

Position: Full sun

Flowering period: Early summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 10m

Eventual Spread: 5m

Hardiness: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b

Family: Pinaceae

Pinus flexilis ‘Vanderwolf’s Pyramid’ is an evergreen coniferous tree with an upright pyramidal habit. Its dark green leaves appear in groups of 5, up to 7cm long and 1.5mm broad. Its grey bark is nearly smooth when young, forming scaly plates as it matures. Its flowers are in the form of pollen cones. Its fruit are cones which take up to two years to mature, initially green, maturing to pale brown and up to 15cm long.

Pinus flexilis ‘Vanderwolf’s Pyramid’ Leaves (19/09/2014, Central Park, Manhattan, New York)

The species Pinus flexilis, commonly known as Limber Pine, Southwestern White Pine or Rocky Mountain White Pine, is native to west USA and Mexico and Canada. In its native habitat it grows in sub-alpine mountainous regions.

The etymological root of the binomial name Pinus is the old classical name for ‘Pine tree’. Flexilis is from the Latin meaning ‘pliable’ in reference to its leaves.

The landscape architect may find Pinus flexilis ‘Vanderwolf’s Pyramid’ useful as a compact upright coniferous tree. Once established this tree is drought tolerant. This tree is tolerant of exposed, windy sites.

Pinus flexilis ‘Vanderwolf’s Pyramid’ Bark (19/09/2014, Central Park, Manhattan, New York)

Ecologically, Pinus flexilis ‘Vanderwolf’s Pyramid’ seeds are attractive to some birds.

Pinus flexilis ‘Vanderwolf’s Pyramid’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It tolerates poor rocky soils. It dislikes wet soils.

Pinus flexilis ‘Vanderwolf’s Pyramid’ requires little maintenance. This tree should not be moved once established as it produces a long tap root.