Pinus sabiniana aka Bull Pine
Taxonomy
Pinus sabiniana, also known as foothill pine, gray pine, bull pine, or digger pine, is a pine tree that is endemic to California in the United States. Some sources discourage the use of the name "digger pine" due to its pejorative connotation towards Indigenous Americans. The tree can grow up to 105 feet in height, but typically reaches 36-45 feet. Its needles are pale gray-green, grow in bundles of three, and droop to a length of 20-30 cm. The seed cones are large and heavy, measuring 12-35 cm in length and almost as wide as they are long, weighing up to 1.5 lb when fresh. The male cones grow on the lower branches at the base of shoots.
Gray Pine, a rare houseplant, belongs to the Pinus genus and is native to Southwestern North America. It requires regular watering and long-lasting, direct light, while being less than 1 foot away from a window. The plant prefers well-draining soil and doesn't need added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.
Common names
Bull Pine, Gray Pine, Digger Pine, Ghost Pine, California Foothill PineHow to care for Bull Pine
Difficulty
Bull Pine presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
Water
Bull Pine should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Bull 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
Bull 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 Digger Pine.
Toxicity
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
Fertilizer
The growth rate of Bull Pine is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.
Region of origin
Bull Pine’s native range is South-western N. America - California.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Pinus Genus
Pinus echinata Arkansas Pine
Pinus roxburghii Chir Pine
Pinus teocote Aztec Pine
Pinus radiata Monterey Pine
Pinus kesiya Benguet Pine
Pinus bungeana Lacebark Pine
Pinus wallichiana Bhutan Pine
Pinus taiwanensis Formosa Pine
Pinus resinosa American Red Pine
