Plants in genus pinus
Pinus thunbergii
Native to Japan, this vigorous tree can grow up to 25 feet tall with a spread of 20-35 feet. It is tolerant of poor conditions and often has white pines grafted onto black pine rootstock. The tree is hearty and disease-free.
Pinus taeda
Pinus taeda, commonly known as loblolly pine, is a tall coniferous evergreen native to the Southeastern United States. It can grow between 60 to 80 feet in height with a spread of 25 to 35 feet. The tree is characterized by its cinnamon brown bark and dark green needles, which are 2 to 4 inches long. It produces reddish-brown pine cones in early fall, providing food for wildlife like squirrels and chipmunks. This fast-growing tree is highly valued for lumber and pulpwood and is the official state tree of Arkansas.
Pinus strobus
Pinus strobus, or Eastern white pine, is a majestic evergreen tree native to eastern North America. It features long, soft needles that are bluish-green to silver-green, providing a soft, feathery appearance. This fast-growing tree can reach heights of 80 feet and is known for its elegant, symmetrical shape. It provides food and shelter for birds and thrives in full sun with moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. The Eastern white pine is long-lived, with a pyramidal form when young that matures to horizontal branching, making it a stately addition to large landscapes.
Pinus palustris
The Pinus palustris, commonly known as the longleaf pine, is a slow-growing evergreen conifer notable for its impressive height, reaching up to 100 feet, and its long lifespan of over 300 years. It features green needle-like leaves that can grow up to 20 inches long and produces the largest pine cones among southern pines. The tree is characterized by its scaled, cinnamon-brown bark and a self-pruning nature. It is fire-resistant and typically matures to a height of 60 to 80 feet with a canopy spread of 30 to 40 feet.
Pinus nigra
Pinus nigra, or Austrian Pine, is a fast-growing tree reaching heights of 40-50 feet with a spread of 25-35 feet. Known for its long, dark green needles, this tree is both cold and drought-tolerant. It serves as an effective windbreak and noise barrier due to its dense foliage. The tree's adaptability to various soil types and minimal pruning needs make it a versatile choice for large landscapes.
Pinus tabuliformis
Pinus tabuliformis is a pine tree with dramatic red-brown bark and long, soft needles. It produces ornamental cones with edible pine nuts and grows 30 to 50 feet tall, making it a striking addition to landscapes.
Pinus sylvestris 'Green Penguin'
Pinus sylvestris 'Green Penguin' is a dwarf Scotch Pine with a compact, pyramid form and dark green needles. It grows 4 to 6 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. This low-maintenance plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 7.
Pinus cembra
Pinus cembra is a slow-growing evergreen tree with a pyramid shape and rich green needles. Native to European mountains, it is well-suited for rock gardens and requires no pruning. This tree is known for its resilience and ornamental appeal.
Pinus pinea
Pinus pinea, also known as the stone pine, is a slow-growing tree that reaches 40-60 feet tall and 20-40 feet wide. It thrives in well-draining sandy soil and full sun, producing edible pine nuts. This tree is hardy in planting zones 11-12 and is suited for mild weather conditions.
Pinus armandii
Pinus armandii, also known as the Chinese white pine, is a majestic tree with long blue-green needles and large cones that contain edible pine nuts. It can grow between 50 to 100 feet tall and is well-suited for USDA zones 6-9. This tree is wildlife-friendly, providing habitat and food for birds, and it thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. Known for its tolerance to harsh conditions, it is a resilient choice for large landscapes.
Pinus ponderosa
Pinus ponderosa is a large-crowned tree with a straight trunk, known for its vanilla-scented bark when warmed. It grows 65-80 feet tall and is drought-resistant, thriving in full sun and poor soil. This tree is a major source of timber and can live for 300 to 600 years.
Pinus mugo
Pinus mugo, commonly known as the mugo pine, is a low-growing, dense evergreen native to the mountainous regions of Germany and Poland. It features a rounded growth habit and dark green needles that provide year-round color. This hardy conifer is favored by bonsai enthusiasts and is well-suited for rock gardens and Japanese gardens. It thrives in rocky soil and is deer resistant, making it a reliable and low-maintenance choice for landscaping. The mugo pine can be easily kept smaller with candle pruning and is tolerant of urban pollution.
Pinus resinosa
Pinus resinosa, or red pine, is a majestic evergreen tree with tall, straight trunks and distinctive reddish bark. It can live up to 300 years, growing up to 70 feet tall and 25 feet wide, and is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 7. Its dark green leaves are arranged in pairs and are 4 to 6 inches long. This tree is drought-resistant once established and provides shelter and food for wildlife.
Pinus contorta
Pinus contorta, also known as Lodgepole Pine, is a native North American conifer that can grow up to 80 feet tall. It features scaly gray-brown bark and dark yellow-green needles that appear in pairs. This tree is adapted to various soil types, including volcanic and poor soils, and is drought-tolerant once established. Its cones require fire or heat to release seeds, making it a key species in fire-adapted ecosystems. It is a dominant species in Yellowstone's forest canopy and is known for its rugged adaptability.
Pinus sylvestris
Pinus sylvestris, commonly known as Scots Pine, is an evergreen tree with distinctive long blue-green needles and a symmetrical pyramid shape. It is native to cold climates, including Siberia, and thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7. This fast-growing tree can reach heights of 60-70 feet and is tolerant of various soil types, including sandy and clay soils. Its reddish-brown bark and twisting trunks add visual interest, making it suitable for use as a screen, specimen, or windbreak. The tree is drought and neglect tolerant, requiring full sun for best growth.
Pinus strobus 'Blue Shag'
Pinus strobus 'Blue Shag' is a rounded evergreen shrub with long, soft blue-green needles. It is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it suitable for small-space gardens and containers.
Pinus koraiensis
Pinus koraiensis, or Korean pine, is a hardy tree growing 30-50 feet tall with a pyramidal to rounded canopy. It features blue-green needles held for three years and produces six-inch cones with edible pine nuts. This tree is wind resistant, cold hardy, and adaptable to clay soils, making it a versatile choice for various landscapes. It provides shelter for birds and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. Pinus koraiensis is a valuable addition to gardens for its ornamental and practical benefits.
Pinus thunbergii 'Thunderhead'
Pinus thunbergii 'Thunderhead' is a dense, upright pine with dark gray bark and small cones. It thrives in coastal environments and is resistant to urban pollution, making it a robust garden specimen.
Pinus strobus 'Tiny Kurls'
Pinus strobus 'Tiny Kurls' is a small pine tree with twisted blue-green foliage, growing 3 to 6 feet tall. Its pyramidal shape and resistance to deer and rabbits make it a hardy choice for various landscapes, thriving in USDA zones 3-9.