Plant Identification

  • Soft Pines
  • Pinus
  • Pinaceae
  • Gymnosperms
  • Main Menu
  • FOR 21
  • Bristlecone Pine (P. aristata)


    Images

  • Form
  • Needles/Cone
  • P. aristata (Needles and cone)

    A small, bushy tree found at extremely high elevations in CO, NM, and AZ. They were formerly considered the oldest living organisms, but are now recognized as the oldest living trees (approximately 5000 years). Needles are 5 per fascicle and about 1" long. Cones are about 3" long, oblong, and umbo armed with a long, curved spine.