Pinus strobus 'Nana' is a dwarf, globose selection of eastern white pine that will eventually become broadly conical with age. Branching is symmetrical, radiating upward and outward; and needles are fluffy, blue-green in color, and somewhat shorter than what's typically seen in the species. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 6 feet (2 m) tall and wide, an annual growth rate of 6 to 8 inches (15 - 20 cm).
'Nana' translates into dwarf fro the Latin language.
This cultivar was first described by Élie-Abel Carrière in Traite General des Coniferes. In 1891, Ludwig Beissner, in Handbuch der Nadelhölzkunde, said that 'Nana' is synonymous with Pinus strobus var. brevifolia and var. compressa. The World Checklist of Conifers (Humphrey Welch, 1993) states that the cultivar name 'Nana' is a botanical designation for several slow-growing clones that never exceed 10 feet (3 m) tall. It goes on to describe "a name in use for several clones of the past." For this reason, 'Nana' should no long be considered as a legitimate cultivar name.
Pinus strobus 'Nana' — a 1932 accession at the Morris Arboretum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7A); photo from 2020.
Photo by Katherine Wagner-Reiss
Pinus strobus 'Nana' — a closeup of foliage detail.
Photo by Katherine Wagner-Reiss
Pinus strobus 'Nana'
in the Gotelli Collection at The US National Arboretum, Washington, DC; photo from 2006.
Photo by Dax Herbst
Pinus strobus 'Nana' in the Harper Collection, Hidden Lake Gardens, Tipton, Michigan; photo from 2000, taken during an ACS conference.
Photo by Ken Church
Comments
Jaim Longhi
What could cause a carefully planted NINA to go brown over irregular areas? We planted this adolescent tree early last September in NW CT. It has optimum sun.
David Olszyk
Hi Jaim, it could be any number of things ... cracked branches due to rough handling at some point ... is it planted somewhere that dogs pass by and relieve themselves? Did you plant or transplant? / How much root damage could have occurred during planting? Given the best consideration, sometimes transplants die back a bit during the first few years after planting.
Mary Oliver
We recently acquired a white pine cultivar pinus strobus "Gitchee Gumee" and need to know some planting and care tips. It says it grows 1 to 3 inches per year and is currently 8 years old. Specifically, how much room needed for root system, ie planting near concrete walks, walls, pavers etc. Full sun? We live in central Washington State. Thanks for your time!
Comments
What could cause a carefully planted NINA to go brown over irregular areas? We planted this adolescent tree early last September in NW CT. It has optimum sun.
Hi Jaim, it could be any number of things ... cracked branches due to rough handling at some point ... is it planted somewhere that dogs pass by and relieve themselves? Did you plant or transplant? / How much root damage could have occurred during planting? Given the best consideration, sometimes transplants die back a bit during the first few years after planting.
We recently acquired a white pine cultivar pinus strobus "Gitchee Gumee" and need to know some planting and care tips. It says it grows 1 to 3 inches per year and is currently 8 years old. Specifically, how much room needed for root system, ie planting near concrete walks, walls, pavers etc. Full sun? We live in central Washington State. Thanks for your time!