10 Types of Pine Trees that Everyone Should Know
What is a Pine Tree?
Many of us have a tendency to refer to all conifers as pine trees, which is not illogical considering that the pine family (Pinaceae) is the largest family of conifers and accounts for approximately ¼ of all cone-bearing trees (the definition of a conifer is a plant that bears cones). However, those roughly 200 species in Pinaceae include not just pines, but firs, spruces, cedars, hemlocks and larches. Most Christmas trees sold in this country are firs or spruces, despite the fact that they are often referred to as pine trees. To truly be a pine tree, a conifer must belong to the genus Pinus.
Wild-growing pines quickly become too large for all but the grandest gardens, as the photo of the sugar pine demonstrates, although amongst the approximately 100 recognized species in the genus Pinus there are many trees with attractive features. The key for gardening successfully with pines is to choose among the thousands of dwarf pine cultivars. A cultivar, short for ‘cultivated variety’, represents a selection that was chosen due to its slower growth rate, dwarf form, unusual color, weeping habit, etc. It’s in the world of cultivars that you can find attractive, tough, interesting, structural choices to enhance your garden’s year-round beauty.
10 of the best pines for gardens and one to avoid
1. Pinus densiflora ‘Low Glow’
Low Glow Japanese red pine (USDA zone 5) has a spreading habit, lush green needles and when mature, reddish textured bark. It is slow-growing and well-behaved, requiring little pruning or special care. The specimen above is pruned regularly to open the crown and expose some of the trunk and branching, but it is not necessary, as the photo as the link demonstrates.
2. Pinus mugo (mountain pine or mugo pine) cultivars
The ACS recognizes almost 80 cultivars of this species, commonly called mugo (pronounced ‘moo-go’, not ‘mew-go’) pine or mountain pine (USDA zone 3). Mugo pines are probably the pines most often seen at mainstream nurseries and big box stores, and are often deemed unexciting by amateurs and aficionados alike. Mugos are some of the toughest conifers out there, native to the windy mountains of central Europe they are accustomed to eking out an existence in a tough environment. But there is also beauty and drama lurking in this widely variable and misunderstood species! Take the ‘Jakobsen’ mugo pine above: it naturally develops an open and interesting architecture, requiring no pruning to provide a structural garden focal point. Its deep green needles lend richness and depth to the landscape. It is a wonderful choice for a container, as well, and works beautifully in a rock garden.
There are quite a few golden mugo pines, in addition to 'Schweitzer Tourist', ‘Carstens’ is an excellent low-growing selection, as is ‘Sunshine’. Others, such as ‘Ambergold’ or ‘Winter Sun’ grow to become quite vertical in habit.
3. Pinus parviflora (Japanese white pine) cultivars
The Japanese white pines (USDA zone 5) are well-formed, elegant plants, with soft, delicate needles that are often streaked with white, blue or gold. These cultivars also have some of the most stunning pollen cones in the conifer world. They are not as tough as the mugos but with good drainage and a bit of afternoon shade in hot areas, they perform well in garden settings. 'Fukuzumi', pictured above, has a naturally windswept habit and rich blue-green needles. This specimen has never been pruned.
'Tenysu kazu', also known as 'Goldylocks', is a stunning selection, with creamy-golden new growth.
As if the soft, fluffy needles and elegant habit were not enough, Japanese white pines sport some of the most dramatic and eye-catching male (pollen) cones in coniferdom. Check out those on Pinus parviflora 'Cleary':
Or 'Bergman':
4. Pinus banksiana 'Uncle Fogy'
If the Pinus parviflora cultivars are some of the most elegant pines, 'Uncle Fogy' clearly has to be one of the most ridiculous. This cultivar of Pinus banksiana (USDA zone 2) is twisted, alternately weeping and upright and no two look the same.
Pinus banksiana, or jack pines, grow more irregularly in nature than many other pine species. 'Uncle Fogy' just happens to be one of the most wildly irregular of all, growing sometimes upright for a while and then flopping to the ground and then often continuing upwards again. One of the best cultivars for pruning and shaping, you can make your 'Uncle Fogy' unique to your family! Jack pines are tough plants and once established require low water and little care. There are other attractive cultivars in this species, such as 'Manomet' and 'Angell'.
5. Pinus jeffreyi 'Joppi' (Joppi Jeffrey pine)
California has more native conifers than any other state, but many of them have no, or few, cultivars. Luckily for coneheads, one of the best-loved natives, Pinus jeffreyi, (USDA zone 8)has a lovely, compact cultivar called 'Joppi'.
While the wild species can reach 80-120' at maturity, 'Joppi' is very well-behaved in a garden setting. The specimen above has been in the ground for six years, after being planted from a 20-gallon container, and is approximately five feet tall. The long, stiff needles are a wonderful contrast to lighter foliage and its strong structure adds an architectural element.
6. Pinus strobus cultivars
Like Pinus parviflora, Pinus strobus, or eastern white pine (USDA zone 3), is a soft, five-needled pine, and also has elegant attributes. Like Pinus mugo, there are many choices of cultivars, with a wide range of habit, color and shape. The ACS recognizes well over 100 P. strobus cultivars, making this species one of the most garden-friendly of all conifers. We'll recognize two cultivars here, wildly different in size, habit and color.
'Blue Shag', pictured above, is true to its name with its glowing blue-green needles and shaggy demeanor. If left alone, like this one, it is attractive if somewhat unruly. Those wishing a more sedate look can prune at will as the plant, which does not develop a central leader, tolerates pruning well.
However, my favorite Pinus strobus cultivar is 'Pendula', which is sort of like a big, bad cousin to 'Uncle Fogy', albeit more graceful. This cultivar is not for small gardens and not for those wishing an orderly, regimented look. LIke 'Blue Shag', it takes well to pruning and can be tamed (or made wilder!) if so desired.
7. Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine) cultivars
If I had to pick my favorite species of pine it would have to be Scots pine, or Pinus sylvestris (USDA zone 3). I just love the flat, blue-green needles on the majority of the cultivars and their neat, compact habit.
However, if you prefer golden foliage, Pinus sylvestris does that, beautifully, too! 'Nisbet's Gold' is one of the best gold conifer cultivars of any species, and, like many of the other sylvestris cultivars, has a tidy habit and is relatively slow-growing. With sufficient irrigation, this golden conifer does not burn in full sun, even in my zone 9b location.
There are dozens more Scots pine cultivars to choose from. Take a look and maybe like me, you'll fall in love!
8. Pinus nigra 'Oregon Green' (Oregon green Austrian pine)
Like mugos, Austrian pines (USDA zone 4) are one of the classsic old-world, 'hard' pines, so termed due to their relatively hard wood (although to keep things confusing, all conifers are known in the timber industry as 'softwoods'). They have very deep green, stiff needles and often a graceful natural form. When pruned they make marvelous focal points. My favorite is one of the larger cultivars, 'Oregon Green'.
9. Pinus koraiensis (Korean pine) 'Dragon's Eye' or 'Oculus Draconis'
Korean pines are hardy (USDA zone 3), durable and very pretty. Most have curling needles, often with variegation. 'Dragon's Eye' is an upright cultivar, occupying a small footprint that makes it suitable for small gardens.
10. PInus wallichiana 'Zebrina'
Although last on the list, Zebrina Himalayan pine is one of the very best! All Himalayan pines have long, graceful needles, but Zebrina does it one better by striping them with pale yellow. The landscape effect is breathtaking, especially in winter's soft light.
Those are, in my opinion, 10 of the very best pines for a garden landscape. But I promised at the start that I would give you one to avoid: Pinus thunbergii 'Thunderhead' (USDA zone 5). Why do I feel so strongly about its negative characteristics that I feel the need to note it here? Because 'Thunderhead' has just about the deepest, richest green needles of any conifer, and in spring it produces copious, white candles (new shoots) that contrast dramatically with the foliage. It's almost impossible to resist. So desirable is this cultivar that it is now turning up everywhere, even at nurseries that have very few conifers to offer.
So if it is so lovely and dramatic, what's the problem? It's a thug! Most cultivars grow more slowly than the species. This one actually outpaces it! If you do nothing, this lovely little plant very rapidly becomes an enormous woolly bear. Of the original three that I planted, I am down to one and it gets pruned vigorously twice a year by an expert. If you are aware of Thunderhead's shortcomings, plant with impunity, but I have seen more disappointment (and disgust) associated with this cultivar than any other, partly due to the display that it receives in the retail trade.
Those are my favorite pines. What are yours! We'd love to hear!
Comments
Hi David. From your replies, it seems like you’re good at identifying conifers. It’s under 5 ft with short needles, but the new growth is glaucous & super curly & also short needles but slightly longer than the older needles. It also has what looks like 4 inch black thorns on the base (but that might be a blight because the needles aren’t plentiful🤔). Does that sound familiar ? If not I can send a pic. Do you have a website where I can send ? If not, can u please reach out to me so that I can send a photo? A G U A 9 “a t“ A O L …thanks! 🙏🏻 Christine
Christine
Did you find your answer? Get the app “Picture This”
You will be able to take a pic on your phone of any tree, plant in question and get your answer.
Hi Sherry. Yes, after researching online, I figured out my friend’s conifer is a fir & that something (perhaps aphids or adelgids ??) is curling the needles (i.e., it’s not supposed to be curly). I think it’s a silver Korean fir (Abies koreana). I read online that balsam aphids are known to distort & twist the needles. The “thorns” must’ve been blight from being attacked by the parasites.
Hi Sherry. Yes, after researching online, I figured out my friend’s conifer is a fir & that something (perhaps aphids or adelgids ??) is curling the needles (i.e., it’s not supposed to be curly). I think it’s a silver Korean fir (Abies koreana). I read online that balsam aphids are known to distort & twist the needles. The “thorns” must’ve been blight from being attacked by the parasites.
Those pine trees that we buy in the grocery stores at Christmas and they come pre-decorated. They are small about 12” + tall. Do you know what their name is? I’ve got to find out for planting purposes such as where to plan. I just need to know the particulars. Their leaves are soft and their needles are very short & obviously because they were just bought this past Christmas. Can you help me?
Please may I ask you to identify this pine? I took its picture as we were driving down the Pacific Coast Highway en route to Pismo Beach. We’d stopped off at a restaurant. Thanks so much.
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0lGKAJEI96lTLNmsakD4An22g
Please could you help identify a tree that was chopped down without permission? We would like to get one the same.
unfortunately i don't have a photo of the whole tree (its in bits now) but it was about 4m tall, branches grew horizontally. below is a photo of the needles.
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AojondVhjyyQyklLwFHHe4KYXEVj
Thanks!
Hi David, I was just wondering if you could assist me in finding out what tree this is, it has every tightly controlled cone that grows out of the top part of the branches of the leave or pine needles grown out of extended little branches of the main branch. Thank you if you can help.
Hello David,
I have started a garden using conifers and have been collecting them from private parties.
Can I send you photographs to help identify what I am finding?
John
sure. We'll give it a try. Pick your favorite ACS point of contact from the list at the bottom of this link and attach pictures (just don't abuse us, LOL).
https://conifersociety.org/about-us/contact-us/
p.s. we really appreciate it if you became a member or could send a donation in return for this service. After all, we're a lowly non-profit, charitable organization.
Here's a thought. I'm in southeastern Michigan, USDA Zone 6. I regularly buy container pines this time of year. I care for them outside until two weeks before Christmas. They (yes they, sometimes three of them) stay in my attached 43-degree F garage for two weeks. Then into the house for two weeks. Water once a week while in the house. After two weeks, back into the garage for two weeks and then back outside. Come spring, into the ground they go. Great way to enjoy "real" trees and increase the population of your garden.
- Ron Elardo
I am also in SE Mi zone 6, and received a few conifers for Christmas (yay!). I am going to follow your plan, but am curious as to exactly where in your house do you keep them? I am going to assume a north-facing location?
Hi Armanda,
Their first exposure to the house is the garage. It is a constant 43F. I place them in my north-facing living room. I lower the furnace setting to 70F. When spring comes, I place them in the garden wherever I like. I have also overwintered my entire container conifers in my garage. Don't forget to water.
Ron
David...., an amazing website and I'm hoping you will be able to help me ID a tree. I'm stumped. My wife and I have a Japanese garden in our courtyard over in Wenatchee. We have recently been making some substantial changes in tree selections. It's not done casually - the garden is 14 years old - but necessary now that more cultivar choices are available. We purchased a pine this spring but I lost the tag and my 71 year old brain cannot remember its ID. I can send photos, but can also describe it. The color is bluish. I believe it's a white pine or perhaps a Japanese pine. It is about 14" high and I am sure I selected it for it's slow growth and small size. It has 5-needle clusters that are soft and about 1-1/4" to 1-1/2" long. Many thanks!!
What a wonderful website! I found it while trying to identify the most unique conifer I had seen in roanoke va a few weeks ago that I am still stumped on. I am hoping you might be able to at least help me identify the genus. It was a young tree, single stem with a canopy that appeared would become broad. The bark slightly pealed like a chamaecyparis and the foliage was lime green and very similar to chamaecyparis pisifera filifera but definitely was not. From a distance it looks like a fine, long needled pine but definitely not a pine, foliage is scale and long and slender. The male flowers are long and reminiscent of catkins and the female cones are round and approximately 1/2". I am in awe of this tree and desperately want to add it to my unique conifer collection. Thank you for your help.
Amazing website. I see that people are asking so here goes nothing. I have a pine tree that gave off wavy needle clusters (Almost clam like wave pattern) which i used in Christmas decorations a lot! the tree itself was very high (10 meters) thanks!
I have an allergy to "white pine" what Christmas trees do I avoid? I had a serve reaction to a fresh one 2 years ago. Are there varieties I should I avoid or any confir in general?
if you have a doctor-confirmed allergy to white pines, then don't use them for Christmas trees. Shouldn't be a problem, since most Christmas trees used in the United States are firs (Abies spp). If it turns out that you have allergies to all conifers, then there are lots of "trees" made from hypo-allergenic synthetic materials.
Dear David,
can you please help me identify a pine? It look s a lot like a young Pinus contorta var. latifolia, but the needles are very glaucus all year long, which might not be characteristic of P. contorta. It has 2-needle fascicles.
Thank you, see pictures via Gdrive link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1p-kl3Lp_4Vui7Md12L631Ev5UEkQ6Zaa?usp=sharing
Thank you — I am guessing it is "Glauca" then. I have other P. sylvestris and saw them when young. They were all a deep grass green.
no, definitely can't be 'Glauca' ... blue seedlings are quite common with Scots pine; and you're not allowed to name your seedling 'Glauca' ... it has been illegal to coin Latinized names post-1959.
I really need help identifying a particular pine plant I have photos of. I was told one thing by a nursery, but now I am thinking they were wrong. Is there any e-mail I can send photos too? I'd really like to plant what I am trying to find in my garden this spring. I missed my opportunity last Spring.
I am on the Central Cal Coast...where can I buy a fine well-grown and well-pruned pine specimen to buy? The picture on this page 1. Pinus densiflora ‘Low Glow’ would be perfect but I can't seem to find anything of this quality to buy. If you can help me find my perfect tree, please let me know.
I don't know of any nurseries in your area (although there may well be some...). You could try on line (Conifer Kingdom is a big West Coast online retailer, for example, which lists 'Low Glow'), or make a road trip to the Bay Area. If you do that, call ahead to the specialty nurseries to ensure availability. I've seen this cultivar at Pond and Garden in Cotati and East Bay Nursery in Berkeley. It's quite lovely. However, finding one that is attractively pruned...that is a lot more difficult!
Thank you for all the information.
Do u know of a pine that looks similar to mugo pine but grows tall and is more of a bush with multiple shoots on stump? We live in maine, there are 7 planted as a barrier in our yard, in 2004 they were about 7 feet tall now in 2021 they are about 15 feet, and way past there prime. Would love to replace, they were so beautiful and the highlight of our view. Can u help tell what they may be?
10 years ago we purchased 3 pine trees that we were told would produce pine nuts for consumption. We recall being told they were stone pines. The largest is about 12 feet tall this year. Needle fascicles with 5 needles, have the whitish line along the edge. This year there are bunches of small (1/4 inch) cone shaped growths at the bottom of new growth. Assuming these are the male pollen filled cones. Does this sound like pinus cembra? if so, how much longer will we need to wait for female cones to appear? Thanks for any guidance.
Pinus cembra would be a good guess. What you describe is most certainly pollen cones. Conifers produce seed cones on their own schedule, depending on maturity, stress, and environment.
If the climate's not right, they might produce seed cones with no seeds. If they're under a great deal of stress they'll cone out of a survival instinct. If they're under a lot of environmental stress, they may produce tons of barren seed cones.
Since you didn't say where on Earth the trees are planted, and didn't say specifically which pine you planted, there's no way to provide an educated answer to your question.
Hi David, can you help me identify this tree, which was on our property when we bought our home a few years ago? Is it really, simply, an Eastern White Pine? It seems much softer, fuller, and just more... special. Here are pics (I can get closer pics if that would help): https://share.icloud.com/photos/0cFxWyd1_QXEVvH-X42cJsJZg
Thanks in advance!
Hi Jessica ... unfortunately those pictures are super blurry and lacking detail. I can't see how many needles are in a bundle, and can't see and cones or branch color/texture. Given what you sent, it's impossible to identify.
Thank you for this excellent article. I love the look of Pinus thunbergii 'Thunderhead' but doubt I could give it the space it requires. However, I did recently purchase a Pinus thunbergii 'Banshosho', and was wondering if it's a 'thug' like thunderhead? I was told 3' high in 10 years, does that sound right? Just trying to get an idea of what to expect so I can place it properly. I was also hoping to do minimal to no pruning, not sure if that's a realistic expectation if I'm looking for a 3' plant. Thanks again.
hello Memmem ... about 15 years ago, I saw a pretty big 'Banshosho' on the grounds of Porterhowse Farms in Sandy, Oregon. It was massive, about 6 feet tall with a 15-foot spread. At that point, I had a young one in the garden, and that realization of what they do over time convinced me that my plant would get candle-pruned every year for its remaining life.
I am trying to identify a conifer planted on our golf course which was brought back from California. The needles are in threes and are 17 to 18 centimetres long. The trunk brown /grey. I would be grateful if you he was told it was one of the giant red woods.
John if you send photos to [email protected] we can try to id for you.
Article was quite informative. Living in zone9, sometimes it's hard for me to select pine like conifers. I purchased a pine.. ( Pinus Roxburghii ) which can grow in zone 8/9, a 3 needle pine somewhat similar to pinus ponderosa. Doing well here. I am about to grow it as a bonsai.. so I thought it will quite possible for me!
Can you identify a tree for me?