Pinus flexilis aka Limber Pine

Taxonomy

Pinus flexilis, also known as the limber pine or Rocky Mountain white pine, is a species of pine tree that can be found in the mountains of the Western United States, Mexico, and Canada. It is a medium-sized evergreen pine with a symmetrical, conical canopy that reaches heights of up to 6m (20ft) and a width of up to 3m (10ft) at the base. The tree has twisted soft needles that can grow up to 9cm (3½in) long, which provide a two-tone effect with their silvery-blue undersides and dark-green upper surfaces. The limber pine is known for its pliant branches, which give it its common name, and its heavily creased, dark grey bark. The wood of this species is pale, lightweight, and soft. It is typically found at high elevations, often marking the tree line along with other pine species such as whitebark pine, bristlecone pines, or lodgepole pine. In favorable conditions, it can grow up to 20 meters (65 ft), but in exposed treeline areas, mature trees are much smaller, reaching heights of only 5–10 meters (15–35 ft). In certain rocky and windswept terrain, such as the Rocky Mountains of southern Alberta, the limber pine is even more stunted, with mature trees consistently less than 3 meters (10 ft) in height. Some individual limber pines have been documented to be over 2,000 years old, making them some of the oldest trees in existence.

Common names

Limber Pine, Limbertwig, Rocky Mountain White Pine

How to care for Limber Pine

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Limber Pine due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Limber Pine should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Limber Pine loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Limber Pine thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Rocky Mountain White Pine.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Limber Pine is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Limber Pine’s native range is Western N. America - Alberta to California.


More info:
Wikipedia