Pinus albicaulis

Common Names

Whitebark Pine, Scrub Pine, White Pine

Summary

Whitebark pine is a slow-growing evergreen conifer native to western North America, occurring at high elevations on rocky ridges and bluffs where prostrate mats may form; it grows up to 20 m tall and is hardy to UK zone 2, with cones up to 8 cm and edible, oil-rich seeds usable as flavoring or ground into flour and an edible inner bark, and seeds ripen in September (edibility rated 4/5).

Cultivation and uses: prefers light sandy to loamy, well-drained soils; drought-tolerant and shade-intolerant; native to western North America; commonly used in prairie and meadow garden styles; seeds are edible and provide food for wildlife and traditional products.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

15-66 ft

Spread

10-15 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4a-8b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Loamy, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

4.8-5.0

Bloom Color

Yellow, Scarlet

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Dark green to yellow-green, sometimes with whitish stomatal lines on all surfaces.

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen needle

Growth Rate

Slow-growing; seedling top-growth ~0.7-0.9 inches per year at elevations around 10,000-10,810 feet

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Birds: Yes — seeds eaten and dispersed by Clark’s nutcracker; blue grouse roost in crowns; hollow trunks provide habitat for cavity-nesting birds