Pinus wallichiana aka Bhutan Pine

Pinus wallichiana is an evergreen tree in the pine family. Its common names include Himalayan pine, Bhutan pine, and blue pine. It grows across the Himalayas, from Afghanistan east to China. Its native range also reaches northern Myanmar. It lives in mountain valleys and both dry and wetter forests. Garden trees reach about 30–50 feet [9–15 metres] tall. Their spread reaches 20–30 feet [6–9 metres]. Larger trees can reach 150–200 feet [46–61 metres].

Young trees have a loose crown shaped like a pyramid. The crown grows broader and rounder with age. Trees in open sites keep their wide lower branches. Soft needles grow in groups of five along the shoots. Each needle measures about 0.4–0.7 feet [0.13–0.20 metres] long. Green upper faces and pale undersides give them a blue cast. Young needles stand upright, while older needles hang down. Young bark is smooth and gray-green. It darkens and cracks into scales as the tree ages. Young twigs are pale gray-green, with pointed, resinous buds.

This conifer bears cones rather than true flowers. Its long, woody cones hang from stalks and hold much resin. They reach about 0.5–1 foot [0.15–0.30 metres] long. Cones turn yellow-brown or brown as they mature. They may grow alone or in small groups. The small seeds can be eaten raw or cooked. Their strong resin taste limits their appeal as food. Reports also describe sweet manna from leaves and twigs as edible. This includes honeydew made by aphids.

Grow this pine in full sun with shelter from strong winds. It favors moist soil that drains well and tolerates drought. Acid loam suits it, though RHS also lists clay and other pH levels. Its growth rate is moderate, and routine care needs are low. It needs little pruning, apart from removing rival main stems. Sources place it in USDA zones 5–7 and RHS rating H6. Seed origin can affect cold hardiness. Severe winter winds can brown needles and damage branches.

Its blue foliage and large cones suit parks and spacious gardens. It adds winter interest and supports imperial moth larvae. Deer tend to leave it alone. People also use it for timber, turpentine, and tar. Pests include adelgids, aphids, sawfly larvae, and pine shoot moths. Honey fungus, needle cast, tip blight, and canker can occur. Pine wilt nematodes are another concern.