Pinus albicaulis aka Alpine Whitebark Pine

Pinus albicaulis, or whitebark pine, belongs to the pine family. This evergreen grows in western Canada and the western United States. Its range includes British Columbia, Alberta, and several western states. It grows on rocky ridges and near the tree line. Harsh winds shape trees on these open mountain sites. Sheltered canyons support taller trees with less twisted growth.

Trees often reach 20–50 feet (6–15 metres) tall. Some reach about 66 feet (20 metres). Oregon State records a tree reaching 69 feet (21 metres). Growth is slow, and trees can live a long time. The crown spreads unevenly above a short, twisted trunk. At the highest exposed sites, plants form low, gnarled mats. Young bark is smooth and pale gray to white. Older bark darkens and may break into scales. The inner bark is reddish brown. Thick, flexible twigs are silver-white to gray.

Stiff needles grow in bundles of five near branch tips. They range from green to yellow-green and stay for several years. Each needle measures about one to three inches long. Male cones start pink, then turn yellow-brown in tight groups. Female cones start deep red or purple. Wind carries pollen between trees during May and June. Each tree bears both male and female cones. The rounded, woody seed cones have thick scales without sharp spines. Seeds ripen around September, but the cones do not open freely. Clark's nutcrackers break them apart to reach the large seeds. The birds also bury seeds, helping new trees grow. Other birds and mammals feed from opened cones.

Grow whitebark pine in full sun and freely drained soil. Sandy or gravelly loam suits it, even when nutrients are scarce. It accepts mildly acid or neutral soil. Established trees withstand drought, but poor drainage does not suit them. Cool northern sites and higher ground offer better growing conditions. Oregon State lists cold hardiness to USDA zone 3. Plants For A Future gives a range of zones 4–8. Gardens can use it as a specimen or canopy tree. White pine blister rust and mountain pine beetles threaten wild stands. Fire suppression also lets shade-tolerant trees compete more strongly.

The seeds are edible raw or cooked and contain much oil. Ground seeds can flavor soups or mix with baking flour. Eating many raw seeds may cause constipation. Plants For A Future also lists inner bark as edible. The needles can yield tan or green dye. Rain can wash compounds from needles that hinder some seeds' germination.