Limber Pine

General
Scientific Name: Pinus flexilis
Family: Pinaceae (Pine)
Hardiness: Zone 3
Leaves: Evergreen
Plant Type: Tree

Growth
Rate: Slow
Mature Height: >45’
Longevity: Long
Power Line: No

Ornamental
Flowers: Inconspicuous
Fruit: Brown cones
Fall Color: n/a

A small-to-medium western pine with an uneven crown. Often multistemmed. This tree is less susceptible to salt and winterburn injury than other five-needle pines. Native to a very limited area in southwestern North Dakota, likely from seed carried to this site by early Native Americans. The largest tree in North Dakota is 39 feet tall with a canopy spread of 30 feet.

Light: Full sun only.
Water: Somewhat drought tolerant.
Soil: Prefers loams to sands.

Several cultivated varieties available, including several that were selected for their blue coloration. Other cultivars include:

Dwarf Limber Pine - Dwarf, bushy form.

'Vanderwolf's Pyramid' - A tree form with attractive blue-green needles and superior vigor.

Credits: Tree Selector Website, North Dakota Tree Handbook