Southwestern White Pine

Pinus strobiformis, also known as the Southwestern White Pine or Mexican White Pine, is a large evergreen coniferous tree native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The tree can grow up to 25 to 35 meters in height and has a 6 to 15-meter spread with a long, straight trunk. The bark is smooth and silvery-grey on young trees, aging to furrowed and red-brown or dark grey-brown. The leaves are arranged in bundles of five dark green to blue-green needles. It’s considered a slow-growing tree and can take some time to reach maturity.

The Southwestern White Pine is also grown as a Christmas tree, a windbreak or an ornamental tree. It is popular as a replacement in drier areas for the Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus), which prefers areas with higher rainfall.

When it comes to soil, Pinus strobiformis prefers well-drained sandy or rocky soils, with pH ranging from 6 to 7.5; it can tolerate a wide range of soil types but prefers soils that are well-drained and moist. The tree is drought-tolerant and can tolerate heat and frost; it prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

It is also essential to ensure that the tree is planted in an area with enough room to grow, as it can reach a height of 25-35 meters and a spread of 3-5 meters.

When planting, it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-prepared, removing debris and loose rocks and amending the soil with organic matter if necessary. It is also vital to ensure that the tree is planted at the same depth as the container and to water it well after planting.

It is important to note that Pinus strobiformis is sensitive to frost and cold temperatures. It is best grown in areas free of severe frosts; it is also considered a fire-dependent species. It requires regular prescribed burning to maintain its natural ecosystem, so it might not be suitable for all gardens.

This product is not available to customers in SA.