Pinus cembra 'Herman' is a narrow upright fastigiate form of Swiss Stone pine. It is often seen promoted in the nursery trade as Prairie Statesman„¢ which is a testament to its prominent, refined appearance. This cultivar is extremely hardy and drought-resistant, suitable for harsh natural or urban settings, all the while maintaining an elegant, stately appearance. It's narrow form has a strong central leader and lateral branches which curve markedly upward and slightly inward, allowing it to resist the negative effects of snow loads on fastigiate conifers. The needles are soft, emerald-green with blue overtones concentrated near the tips, and held in bundles of five, typical of the species. Cones are violet-brown when young, maturing to brown.
Typical rate of growth in most areas is 6 to 12 inches (15 - 30 cm) per year resulting in a nice columnar focal point, 5 to 10 feet (1.5 - 3 m) tall and half as wide after 10 years in the landscape. It tends to perform best full sun and well-drained soil with neutral to slightly acidic PH.
This cultivar was selected and introduced by North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota and named for Dr. Dale E. Herman (born 1938) Professor Emeritus of the Department of Plant Sciences. You can read more about Dr. Herman at this link.
Pinus cembra 'Herman' was one of three selections made in 2015 for the popular ACS Collectors' Conifer of the Year program.
