Himalayan Pine
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Grows to 30-50' tall in landscapes, but up to 150' in the wild. Spread is variable, but is usually half to two-thirds the height. Loosely broad-pyramidal when young, becoming more graceful, elegant and feathered, with branches to the ground in old age. Growth rate is slow to medium.

Native Range

Native to the temperate Himalayas at 6,000 to 12,500' elevation, extending westward to Afghanistan and eastward to Nepal. Introduced in 1827.

Flower and Fruit Details

Monoecious flowers. Fruits in cylindrical, banana-shaped cones, 6-10" long and 2" wide, sub-terminal, solitary, on a 1-2" long stalk, erect when young, but pendulous the second year. Cones are light brown when ripe, and very resinous.

Leaf and Bark Features

Evergreen: Gray-green to blue-green, glaucous needles, 5-8" long, in bundles of 5, creating a feathery effect. Often bent abruptly near the base, so a majority of the needle is pendulous. Severe needle browning if temperatures drop below -15°F. Bark is orange-brown to gray-brown, initially smooth, but developing shallow fissures and flaky plates over time.

Culture and Care

Difficult to transplant. Needs full sun and prefers a sandy, well-drained, acid, loamy soil. Avoid shade, shallow, alkaline or poorly-drained soils. A sheltered location away from strong, cold, winter winds is desirable. Zone 5-7.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

A beautiful specimen tree where soils are acid, organic and well-drained, and where winter temperatures and cold winds are not severe. Good wildlife value. 4-season interest: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter. Needle browning may be severe if temperatures drop below -15°F.

Suggested Uses

This is a graceful, lovely specimen tree for large areas.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA