Pinus flexilis

Common Names

Limber Pine, Rocky Mountain White Pine, Limbertwig, Rocky Mountain Pine

Summary

Limber Pine is an evergreen conifer native to western North America, from Alberta to California, typically occupying high-elevation dry, rocky, well-drained sites in subalpine to timberline habitats. It grows 30–50 ft tall with a broad, pyramidal to rounded crown and highly flexible branches; needles are dark blue-green in bundles of five and endure 5–6 years; cones measure 3–6 inches. It is very long-lived, often centuries old, and can form krummholz at timberline; seeds are dispersed by Clark's Nutcracker and other birds.

For cultivation, prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils; drought- and wind-tolerant once established; hardy in zones 4–7. It is used as a windbreak, for rocky slopes, or as an ornamental specimen in landscapes; low maintenance, with pruning typically limited to new growth or dieback.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

30-50 feet

Spread

15-35 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-7

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun.

Soil Type

Very well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

Alkaline soils

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Blue-green to dark blue-green

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen needle

Growth Rate

Slow growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds

Attracts Wildlife

Birds: Yes — seed dispersal by Clark’s Nutcracker and pinyon jay; seeds eaten by small nongame birds; provides cover.