Mountain Pine

A species of conifer of the genus Pinus (Pinus) in the family Pinaceae (Pinaceae). Introduced into cultivation since 1779. Distributed in the subalpine and alpine belts of Southern and Central Europe up to 2500 m above sea level.

It is a small tree or shrub; there are even groundcover, prostrate forms, up to 10 m in height with a conical crown. Bark is gray-brown, smooth when young and with dark brown scales at a more mature age, peeling off in irregular plates. The scales remain on the upper part of the trunk, making the trunk appear darker. This is a distinguishing feature of the mountain pine. Young shoots are green, more mature ones – gray-brown, bare, and they become woody by winter. Buds are elongate-ovoid, pointed, 6 mm long, resinous, brown. The tree grows slowly, annual increment 4-6 cm.

Needles are densely arranged, especially at the branch tips, slightly twisted, curved, stiff, blunt, dark green on all sides, which is also a distinguishing characteristic. Collected in bundles of 2 needles. Needle length 3-4 cm, width 1.5-2 mm.

Blooms in late May - early June. Cones are small, up to 5 cm long, gray-brown, glossy, borne singly on straight short stalks. Fruits abundantly, annually, starting from 6-10 years of age. Cones are ovoid, 2-6 cm long and up to 4 cm wide, ranging from yellowish to dark brown. They mature every 2 years in October-November. They grow upwards, downwards or sideways. Seeds are small, dark. There are 120-180 thousand seeds per 1 kg. Seed viability 46%.

Hardiness zone: 4 to warmer.

Cultivars: "Brevifolia" ("Brevifolia"), "Winter Gold" ("Winter gold"), "Hesse" ("Hesse"), "Gnom" ("Gnom"), "Kobold" ("Kobold"), "Kokarda" ("Kokarda"), "Columnaris" ("Columnaris"), "Compacta", Dense ("Compacta"), "Mini Mops" ("Mini Mops"), "Mops" ("Mops"), "Mughus" (var.mughus (Scop.) Zenari), "Ophir" ("Ophir"), "Pumilio" (var. pumilio (Haenke) Zenari), "Frisia" ("Frisia"), "Humpy" ("Humpy").

Site: prefers sun, but can also grow in shade. Undemanding to soil, grows on gravelly, calcareous, rocky or saline soils. Can also grow on peatlands with a low groundwater table. Tolerates air pollution. Not harmed by snowfall.

Care: in cold winters the shoot tips may suffer frost damage. Young pines need regular watering during dry periods, especially in autumn before wintering.

Propagation: propagated by seeds, cuttings and grafting.

Uses: used for ornamental planting and for stabilizing slopes and embankments, creating protective plantings, in parks, squares and gardens. Looks good in groups on lawns and as solitary specimens. Pairs well with spruces, Rumelian pine, larches and birches.