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Pinus strobiformis
Engelm.
Southwestern White Pine
Pinaceae
Pinus strobiformis is a coniferous tree species in the family Pinaceae. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Description
Pinus strobiformis is a medium-sized evergreen tree that grows up to 30 m tall, straight, with a conical crown that becomes more irregular with age, and spreading and ascending branches. Leaves are thin, 4 to 9 cm long in bundles of 5. They are dark or blue green with white bands (which are stomata) on the outside of the leaves, and persist on the tree for 3 to 5 years. They are straight or slightly twisted, very finely toothed with sharp edges, pointed. The sheaths are about 1.5 to 2 cm long and are not persistent. The bark is gray becoming reddish brown, furrowed, with scaly ridges. Male cones are small, pale yellow-brown, up to 1 cm and round. Seed cones are 15 to 25 cm long, lance shaped and cylindric, wider when open, and hang from a 6 cm long stalk. They are yellow or pale brown and have numerous scales that are reflexed and smooth (i.e. without prickles). These cones mature after 2 years, then release their seeds and fall from the tree. Seeds are about 1 to 1.3 cm wide, reddish brown, not winged (FNAEC 1993).
The species hybridizes with Pinus flexilis in the northern part of its range. Pinus strobiformis tends to have longer, more slender leaves and thinner cone scales than P. flexilis, and lacks stomata on the inner surfaces (FNAEC 1993).
The species hybridizes with Pinus flexilis in the northern part of its range. Pinus strobiformis tends to have longer, more slender leaves and thinner cone scales than P. flexilis, and lacks stomata on the inner surfaces (FNAEC 1993).
Uses
Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
Pinus strobiformis is used mostly for its wood. It finds use in construction and carpentry, as well as making violins (Farjon 2013).
Distribution
Pinus strobiformis is found in montane forests at high elevations of 1900 to 3000 m. It is native to Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and northern Mexico (FNAEC 1993).
Status
Pinus strobiformis is listed on the IUCN Red List as "Least Concern". A smaller threat is logging for timber, which does not appear to put the species at risk (Farjon 2013).
References
Farjon, A. 2013. Pinus strobiformis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42416A2978637.en.
FNAEC (Flora of North America Editorial Committee), editor. 1993. Flora of North America, north of Mexico. Volume 2: Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. New York: Oxford University Press.
FNAEC (Flora of North America Editorial Committee), editor. 1993. Flora of North America, north of Mexico. Volume 2: Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. New York: Oxford University Press.
Description
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