Pinus strobus 'Horsford' / Horsford white pine

Pinus strobus 'Horsford' is a dwarf, very densely branched, slightly flattened, irregular dwarf globose selection of eastern white pine with short lime-green needles. It is considered one of the "classic" dwarf white pines, especially in the U.S. nursery trade. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 28 inches (70 cm) tall and 40 inches (100 cm) wide, an annual growth rate of 2 to 3 inches (5 - 7.5 cm).

This cultivar originated as a natural dwarf found in the 1950s by Bill Horsford near Charlotte, Vermont. According to the legend, Bill dug and sent the entire mother plant to Greg Williams of Kate Brook Nursery, Wolcott, Vermont, for propagation and introduction to the trade. Rather than using a pot, Horsford sent the plant through the U.S. postal service in a tagged bushel basket. Kate Brook nursery introduced it to the trade in the early 1960s

This conifer is uncommonly seen listed under the synonymous cultivar name 'Horsford Dwarf.'

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Pinus strobus 'Horsford' in a private garden in Kansas, early spring, 2007.
Photo by David Stegmaier
Pinus strobus 'Horsford'
Photo by Pawel Petertill (via DH)

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