Pinus longaeva aka Great Basin Bristlecone Pine

Pinus longaeva is the Great Basin bristlecone pine. Other names include ancient pine and Intermountain bristlecone pine. This evergreen tree belongs to the pine family, Pinaceae. Its native range covers eastern California, southern Nevada, and Utah. It grows in subalpine or subarctic climates. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. The name Pinus aristata has been misapplied to this species.

This pine grows very slowly and tends to stay small. It can reach 50 feet [15.2 metres], though harsh sites shape its growth. Wind can twist the tree into a contorted form. Its bark changes in both colour and texture with age. Young trees have thin, smooth bark with a grey-white tone. Older bark turns reddish brown and develops furrows. On harsh, windy sites, old trees may retain little bark. Sheltered crevices can hold the last narrow strips. These recesses protect the bark from wind-driven sand. Young twigs are orange-brown and darken as they age.

The short, curved needles grow in bundles of five. Each needle measures about 0.08–0.13 feet [0.025–0.038 metres] long. Their base colour is dark green. White spots of dried resin often cover the surface. Needles stay on the tree for 10–17 years. This long life gives the leafy shoots a dense look. Their bushy shape can resemble a fox's tail. The short needles and dense growth contrast with exposed old wood. The needle bundles, resin spots, and bristled cones help describe this pine's appearance.

One tree carries both male and female cones. The small male cones have a dark orange colour. They often form clusters near the tips of branches. Female cones also grow near the branch tips. They appear alone or in pairs rather than large clusters. The woody cones reach about 0.25 feet [0.076 metres] long. Each cone sits on a short stalk. Its overlapping scales have thickened ends with long bristles. These bristles account for the bristlecone common name. The seeds have wings.

The supplied sources describe wild form rather than garden performance. They give no cultivated size range or planting requirements. They also provide no hardiness rating or pest guidance. They do not establish edible uses or safety for people or pets.