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Pinus aristata
Engelm.
Colorado Bristlecone Pine
Pinaceae
Pinus aristata is a long-lived coniferous tree in the family Pinaceae. It is native to mountainous areas of Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.
Description
Pinus aristata is a tree that grows up to 20 to 25 m with a trunk that can grow up to 1.2 m in diameter. The tree forms a cylindrical or rounded crown; branches are stiff, with needles near the tips. Needles are stiff, typically 3 to 4 cm long in bundles of 5. They are dark bluish green with dried resin spots and pale bands (which are stomata) on the inner sides of the needles, and persist on the tree for 10 to 15 years. The sheaths are about 1.0 to 1.5 cm long, curling back, and are not persistent. Buds are about 10 mm long and are resinous. The bark is grayish brown, becoming furrowed and irregularly ridged. Twigs are light reddish brown, minutely hairy, but later becoming gray and hairless. Pollen cones are about 10 mm long, bright yellow. Seed cones are 6 to 11 cm long, egg-shaped and flat at the base, and unstalked or with a very short stalk. They are purple, ripening to tan to grayish brown and have over 100 paddle-shaped scales with a diamond-shaped tip and a small prickle. These cones open widely to release their seeds, then fall from the tree. Seeds are typically 5 to 6 mm wide, with an easily detachable wing that is about 7 to 15 mm long (Eckenwalder 2009).
Pinus aristata is a member of the subsection Balfourianae which includes two other uncommon species, the foxtail pine (Pinus balfouriana) and the Great Basin bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva). Besides its range, which does not overlap with the other species, it can be recognized by having a single duct of resin within its needles (the other species have two), as well as the more conspicuous prickles on the cone scales. These three species, especially P. longaeva, can live extremely long; the oldest for this species is about 2000 years (Eckenwalder 2009).
Pinus aristata is a member of the subsection Balfourianae which includes two other uncommon species, the foxtail pine (Pinus balfouriana) and the Great Basin bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva). Besides its range, which does not overlap with the other species, it can be recognized by having a single duct of resin within its needles (the other species have two), as well as the more conspicuous prickles on the cone scales. These three species, especially P. longaeva, can live extremely long; the oldest for this species is about 2000 years (Eckenwalder 2009).
Uses
​Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
Distribution
Pinus aristata is found in arid mountainous areas, often found alongside Picea engelmannii, and at lower elevations, Pseudotsuga macrocarpa. It is found at altitudes between 2700 to 3700 m. between It has a narrow and localized distribution, in a few spots: the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in central Colorado to northern New Mexico, as well as an isolated population in the San Francisco Peaks in Coconino National Forest in Arizona (Mahalovich and Farjon 2013).
Status
Pinus aristata is listed on the IUCN Red List as "Least Concern". Despite its narrow distribution, it is does not appear to be in decline. However, it could easily be threatened by white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola), as well as climate change and changes in fire suppression. Overall trends are difficult to determine, since the species is extremely long-lived (Mahalovich and Farjon 2013).
References
den Ouden, P., and Boom, B. K. 1965. Manual of cultivated conifers; hardy in the cold-and warm-temperate zone. The Hague: Martinus Nijhoff / Dr W. Junk Publishers.
Eckenwalder, J. E. 2009. Conifers of the world: the complete reference. Portland: Timber Press.
Mahalovich, M., and Farjon, A. 2013. Pinus aristata. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T34057A2841717.en
Eckenwalder, J. E. 2009. Conifers of the world: the complete reference. Portland: Timber Press.
Mahalovich, M., and Farjon, A. 2013. Pinus aristata. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T34057A2841717.en
Description
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