Pinus

( PYE - nuss )

At-A-Glance Information

Known commonly as Pine, this genus includes many great landscaping evergreens, from tall trees to shrubs and groundcovers. All species produce cones and produce long, thin needles in groups of two, three, or five. Bark tends to be red, brown, or grey, and is commonly thicker and more scaly towards the base of the tree and thinner and papery towards the top. In landscapes, full sized Pine trees will not reach the full height of the species. Pines make great shade trees, background plantings, and homes for wildlife. Take care when planting these evergreens in the landscape, as some species are toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

Pinus Species and Varietals

The genus Pinus is a member of the plant family Pinaceae and includes 187 species. The plants in this genus are closely related to those in Picea (Spruce), Pseudotsuga (Douglas-Fir), and Larix (Larch). The best growing zones for Pinus trees vary depending on the species grown. For more information, see the species descriptions below: To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Pinus arizonica (Arizona Pine, Yellow Pine, Pino de Arizona)
This medium-sized pine is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States and is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 6-8. It reaches between 82 and 115 feet tall when mature. These trees are a great source of construction timber, and are heavily harvested for firewood.

Pinus attenuata (Pinus tuberculata) (Knobcone Pine, Scrub Pine, Chichonuda)
These mild-climate Pines can grow in poor soils, and are native to the mountains of southern Oregon down to Baja California. They are suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 7a-10 or Sunset climate zones 3-7 and 14-24 The native population of these trees is mostly concentrated at the Oregon-California border. Crowns are conical and trunks are straight. Bark is grey to reddish-brown and twigs are red-brown. These trees reach between 26 and 79 feet tall when mature, and are also seen as large shrubs in particularly poor sites. Needles are yellow-green and produced in sets of three.

Pinus banksiana (Grey Pine, Scrub Pine, Jack Pine, Hudson Bay Pine, Banksian Pine)
This North American Pine species is native to Canada and the north-central to northeastern United States. These trees can reach between 30 and 72 feet tall when mature, though some are shrub-sized if they are growing in relatively poor conditions. Leaves are green and produced in pairs. Seed cones vary in shape. Grey Pines are suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 2-8.

Pinus brutia (Turkish Pine, Calabrian Pine, East Mediterranean Pine, Afghan Pine, Brutia Pine)
This species is native to the eastern Mediterranean and trees reach between 66 and 115 feet tall. Young bark is thin and reddish-orange, and older bark is fissured to flaky and grey-brown to orange. The species was first described by Michele Tenore in 1811, and is now a popularly grown ornamental tree, extensively planted in parks and other public areas in hot, dry areas of the United States. This species is considered invasive in Israel and Greece.

Pinus canariensis (Canary Island Pine, Pino Canario, Pino de Canarias)
This species is endemic to the outer Canary Islands and reach between 98 and 131 feet tall when mature (though some individual trees have been seen at 200 feet). These trees produce epicormic blue-green shoots towards their base. This is a very fire-resistant species, and has aromatic wood. Used as a street and landscape tree in warmer climates such as California. This species is considered invasive in Australia, South Africa, and California.

Pinus caribaea (Caribbean Pine, Caribbean Pitch Pine, Honduran Pine, Pino Macho)
This species of Pine is native to Central America and the northern West Indies. There are three subspecies, two of which are currently considered endangered. Trees typically reach up to 65-115 feet tall. This species is considered invasive in Australia, the Pacific Islands, Sri Lanka, Brazil, and Bangladesh.

Pinus cembroides (Pinyon Pine, Mexican Pinyon, Mexican Nut Pine, Mexican Stone Pine, Pino Piñonero)
This species is native to Mexico and Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico in the United States. The trees grow to be up to 66 feet tall with dark brown, deeply fissured bark. Foliage is green, and emerge in groups of two or three. Pinyon Pine trees are suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 5b-8.

Pinus contorta (Lodgepole Pine, Shore Pine, Twisted Pine, Contorta Pine, Sierra Lodgepole Pine, Tamarack)
This tree is common in western North America, where it grows in dry montane forests near shorelines. These plants can grow as either shrubs (3-10 feet tall) or full sized trees (130 to 160 feet tall). Bark is greyish-brown, thick and somewhat corky. Foliage is yellow-green. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5-9.

Pinus coulteri (Big-Cone Pine, Coulter Pine, Widow-Maker, Pitch Pine)
This drought-tolerant species, native to Southern California and Baja California, Mexico, is named for Irish botanist and physician Thomas Coulter. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7-10 and produces some of the heaviest, largest cones of any Pine, weighing up to 11 pounds each. Although these trees are limited in the wild, they are a popularly-grown ornamental tree. They can reach between 33 and 79 feet tall when mature, and produce grey-green needles in sets of three.

Pinus densata (Sikang Pine, Gaoshan Pine, High Mountain Pine, Chinese Mountain Pine, Gaoshan Song, 高山松)
This species is likely a natural hybrid between Pinus yunnanensis and Pinus tabuliformis, and reaches about 100 feet tall when mature. Cones are shiny and dark brown, maturing after the second year. Sikang Pine is endemic to China and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 6-9.

Pinus densiflora (Japanese Red Pine. Japanese Pine, Korean Red Pine, Chi Song, Akamatsu, 赤松, Tanyosho Pine, Weeping Japanese Red Pine)
These Pines are native to East Asia and Siberia, and reach between 65 and 130 feet tall when mature (with a crown of about 100 feet). Needles are dark green, and has reddish-brown heartwood. These trees are great for mountainous areas or sandy land, and have strong wind resistance. Japanese Red Pine is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 3-7.

Pinus douglasiana (Douglas Pine, Pino Lacio, Pino Hayarin, Pino Canis)
This species is endemic to Mexico, and reaches up to 150 feet tall. Trunk is typically straight, and has brownish-grey bark. Needles are green. Douglas Pines grow well in USDA hardiness zones 8-10.

Pinus echinata (Shortleaf Pine, Rosemary Pine, Yellow Pine, Heart Pine, Old Field Pine, Spruce Pine, Arkansas Soft Pine, Shortstraw Pine)
This species is variable in form, from crooked to straight-trunked, commonly with an irregular crown. Trees reach between 100 and 120 feet tall when mature. Needles are green and bark contains resin pockets, differentiating it from all other Pines in its native range. Shortleaf Pine is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 6-9.

Pinus elliottii (Slash Pine, Swamp Pine, Yellow Slash Pine, Southern Florida Pine)
Named for the 'slashes' (swampy ground overgrown with trees and shrubs) habitat in which the species grows, these pines have unusually strong wood, and produce green needles. They grow well in USDA hardiness zones 8-10. These trees are fast-growing, reaching between 60 and 100 feet tall. They are considered invasive in Brazil, South Africa, Argentina, and Australia.

Pinus glabra (Spruce Pine, Cedar Pine, Walter's Pine, Bottom White Pine, Walter Pine)
This species of Pine tree is native to the coastal plains of the southern United States, from South Carolina down through Florida and west to southern Louisiana and grow well in USDA hardiness zones 7a-9b. These trees reach between 65 and 130 feet tall and produce green needles in sets of two. These trees are commonly found growing in moist woodland habitats or mixed hardwood forest. It has a better shade tolerance than many other pines.

Pinus georginae (Pino Chino, Curly Pine)
This species was first described by Perez de la Rosa in 2009, named for his associate Georgina Vargas Amado. These trees reach between 50 and 65 feet tall when mature, and have pale to dark grey bark. Pino Chino trees are suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10.

Pinus greggii (Gregg's Pine, Pino Garabato, Pino Garaboto, Pino Chino, Pino Ocote, Pino Prieto)
This species is native to Northern Mexico, and forms a tree with an open, loose crown and long, slender branches. It is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 8-11. Foliage is green to yellow-green, and needles are produced in bundles of three. Trees reach between 50 and 65 feet tall and have greyish-brown bark. This species is considered invasive in South Africa and New Zealand.

Pinus halepensis (Aleppo Pine, Jerusalem Pine, Pino Carrasco, Aleppo Stone Pine)
These small to medium-sized pines are native to the Mediterranean region. They reach between 50 ad 80 feet tall on average. and have orange-red bark. The resin from these trees is used to flavor the Greek wine retsina, and the pine nuts are used to make a Tunisian pudding called Asidet Zgougou. Aleppo Pine trees are successful bonsai subjects. Great as an ornamental tree in hot, dry areas, valued for its heat and drought tolerances as well as its relatively quick growth rate. This species is considered invasive in California, Australia, South Africa, and South America.

Pinus hartwegii (Hartweg's Pine, Mexican Mountain Pine, Pino de las Alturas, Pino Ocote, Pino de México)
These trees are native to mountainous regions in Mexico and Central America. The species is named for German botanist Karl Theodor Hartweg. These trees reach between 66 and 98 feet tall with a broad, rounded crown. Bark is thick, dark greyish-brown and fissured. Cones are black or very dark purple. Hartweg's Pine is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 6b-9a.

Pinus heldreichii (Bosnian Pine, Heldreich's Pine, Balkan Pine, Snakeskin Pine, Pino Loricato, Armor Pine)
This species reaches between 82 and 115 feet tall with a 6.5 foot trunk diameter. Needles form in bundles of two, and are green to yellow-green. Cones reach 3.5 inches long and are brown when ripe, about 16-18 months after pollination. These trees are popular ornamentals for parks and large gardens, and have neat, conical crowns. They are hardy down to -49 degrees Fahrenheit, and can adapt to extreme environmental conditions. Bosnian Pine also has a good pest resistance. Best in USDA zones 5-8.

Pinus henryii (Henry's Pine, Ba Shan Song, 巴山松)
These trees reach up to 100 feet tall when mature, and typically have a single, straight trunk but can be seen multi-trunked. Mature gray-brown bark is fissured and broken into large irregular plates. Twigs are thick have reddish-brown new shoots. Henry's Pine is native to central China, where it grows on dry, rocky slopes.

Pinus hwangshanensis (Huangshan Pine, Yellow Mountain Pine)
This species is named for the Huangshan Mountains, where it grows extensively on steep, rocky crags at high altitudes. Bark is thick, greyish, and scaly plated. Leaves are needle-like and dark green. These trees commonly take beautifully irregular shapes, and are portrayed in many traditional Chinese paintings. Huangshan Pines grow well in USDA zones 7-9.

Pinus jeffreyi (Jeffrey's Pine, Jeffrey Pine, Yellow Pine, Black Pine, Bull Pine)
These trees are native to California, Nevada, Oregon, and Baja California, and are named for their botanist documenter John Jeffrey. Trees grow to be between 82 and 131 feet tall, though they can reach much taller (175 feet). Cones are dark purple when they emerge, and mature to pale brown. Jeffrey's Pine grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5-8. This species is considered invasive in Australia.

Pinus kesiya (Khasi Pine, Benguet Pine, Three-Needled Pine. Simao Pine, 思茅松, Baguio Pine, Luzon Pine, Thông Ba Lá)
This species is native to Asia, but is also an important species elsewhere in the world, like Africa and South America. They reach between 98 and 115 feet tall when mature, and have dark brown bark and dark green needles. Timber from these trees is soft and light. Khasi Pines are suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 8-10. This species is considered invasive in Madagascar.

Pinus latteri (Tenasserim Pine, Thông Nhựa, Nan Ya Song)
Native to mainland Southeast Asia, this species reaches between 82 and 148 feet tall when mature. Bark is orange-red bark and produces pairs of needles that are green to yellow-green. The tree is named for the Tenasserim Hills between Myanmar and Thailand and is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10.

Pinus leiophylla (Chihuahua Pine, Smooth-Leaf Pine, Yellow Pine, Tlacocote, Ocote Chino)
These trees grow primarily in Mexico, with small scattered populations in the Southwestern United States. Trees typically reach between 66 and 98 feet tall, and produce green to yellow-green needles in bundles of three to five. Cones take about three years to mature. Bark is greyish-brown and fissured. Best in USDA zones 8-10.

Pinus luchuensis (Luchu Pine, Okinawa Pine, Ryukyu Island Pine, Mahchi, Machi, リュウキュウマツ, 琉球松)
Endemic to the Ryukyu Islands in Japan, this species usually grows in small stands near windy ocean shores. It does well in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. These trees are commonly grown as ornamentals but the species is no longer commercially viable (they were overharvested during and after the second world war). This species is considered invasive in the Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands of Japan.

Pinus lumholtzii (Lumholtz's Pine, Pino Triste, Sad Pine, Lumholtz's Weeping Pine, Pino Llorón, Sa Wá)
This species of Pine tree is endemic to northwestern Mexico, and is named after Norwegian explorer Carl Sofus Lumholz. These trees reach between 50 and 65 feet tall at maturity, and are considered endangered in their native range due to habitat loss. Lumholtz's Pine grows well in USDA zone 8.

Pinus massoniana (Masson's Pine, Chinese Red Pine, Horsetail Pine, Southern Red Pine)
This species is native to Taiwan, China, and northern Vietnam, and has thick, grey-brown scaly bark. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7-10. Trees commonly reach between 82 and 148 feet tall. In the tree's native range, leaves are used to add a smoke flavor to black teas. This species suffered from massive die-offs due to the invasive Pine Wood Nematode and its vector, the Longhorn Beetle.

Pinus merkusii (Merkus Pine, Sumatran Pine, Mindoro Pine, Tenasserim Pine, Tusam, Uyam)
This species of Pine is the only one that occurs naturally south of the equator, and is native to the Malesia region in southeast Asia. These trees can reach between 82 and 148 feet tall, and have reddish orange bark. Needles are green to yellow-green and cones are narrow and glossy reddish-brown. Merkus Pines thrive in USDA hardiness zones 10-12.

Pinus muricata (Bishop Pine, Prickle Cone Pine, Obispo Pine, Santa Cruz Pine, Dwarf Marine Pine, Santa Cruz Island Pine, Bull Pine)
These trees are mainly native to California, with scattered populations in Baja, Mexico. They prefer to grow on or near coastlines, and grow well in disturbed soils in unvegetated areas. The common name Bishop Pine refers to the tree being first identified near the Mission of San Louis Obispo. This species thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8-10 and is considered highly invasive in New Zealand.

Pinus occidentalis (Pinus cubensis) (Hispaniolan Pine, Hispaniola Pine, Pino Criollo, Haitian Pine, West Indian Pine)
These trees are endemic to the island of Hispaniola (in the Dominican Republic and Haiti). These trees reach between 98 and 130 feet tall at maturity, and produce green needles. Bark is greyish-brown. Best in USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10.

Pinus oocarpa (Ocote, Ocote Chino, Pino Amarillo, Egg-Cone Pine, Mexican Yellow Pine, Hazelnut Pine, Pino Avellano)
This species is native to Mexico and Central America, and can reach up to 120 feet tall when mature. Needles are green, and bark is rough, scaly and brownish grey. Egg Cone Pine is suited for USDA hardiness zones 9a-11. This species is considered invasive in the Cerrado region of Brazil.

Pinus palustris (Longleaf Pine, Southern Yellow Pine, Longleaf Yellow Pine, Southern Pine)
This species is native to the southeastern United States. It is considered to be one of the species of Pine that is designated as the state tree of both North Carolina and Alabama. Trees typically reach between 100 and 115 feet tall when mature, and produce needle-like green foliage in bundles of two to four. The specific epithet for this species refers to the tree's preferred marsh habitat. Best in USDA zones 7-10.

Pinus patula (Patula Pine, Spreading-Leaved Pine, Mexican Weeping Pine, Pino Patula, Pino Lloron, Mexican Yellow Pine, Jelecote Pine)
Native to the Mexican highlands, these trees reach about 98 feet tall and have pale pink to salmon-colored wood that smells strongly of Anise when freshly cut. They are suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 8-10. There are two varieties of this species. Patula Pines are considered invasive in South and East Africa, Hawai'i, Madagascar, New Zealand, Australia, and South America.

Pinus pinaster (Maritime Pine, Cluster Pine)
This pine is native to the southern Atlantic Europe region and areas in the western Mediterranean. These are fast-growing members of the genus, and reach between 66 and 115 feet tall when mature. Bark is orange-red and needles are blue-green to yellow green, forming in pairs. Cones emerge green and ripen to glossy brown-red after two years. Cluster Pines grow well in USDA hardiness zones 7-10. These trees are considered invasive in South Africa, New Zealand Chile, Uruguay, Hawai'i, and southern England.

Pinus pinea (Stone Pine, Italian Stone Pine, Mediterranean Stone Pine, Umbrella Pine, Parasol Pine)
These trees are native to the Mediterranean, and produce edible pine nuts that have been harvested for since prehistoric times. These trees are also popular ornamental trees, used commonly in public parks and large landscapes. Trees typically reach between 40 and 65 feet tall, rarely exceeding 80 feet. Crown is broad and flat at maturity, and bark is deeply fissured and reddish brown. This species is considered invasive in South Africa and California (United States).

Pinus ponderosa (Ponderosa Pine, Bull Pine, Blackjack Pine, Western Yellow Pine, Filipinus Pine, Western Longleaf Pine)
This species is the most widely distributed Pine in North America, and has been introduced in other areas of the world such as New Zealand and Europe. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-7. Ponderosa Pine reaches between 30 and 130 feet tall depending on growing conditions, and has reddish-brown bark. Needles are green and emerge in groups of two or three. This species is considered invasive in New Zealand, Australia, Argentina and Chile.

Pinus psuedostrobus (Smooth-Bark Mexican Pine, Chamite, Pacingo, False Weymouth Pine, Mexican False White Pine, Pino Lacio, Pino Liso, Pino Blanco, Pino Real)
These trees are found amongst mountain forests in Mexico and Central America, and have brown to reddish-brown bark. This species reaches between 26 and 82 feet tall. Foliage is green. Smooth-Bark Mexican Pine is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 10.

Pinus pungens (Table Mountain Pine, Hickory Pine, Prickly Pine, Mountain Pine, Bur Pine)
This species is native to the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States, and reaches between 20 and 40 feet tall when mature. Foliage is yellow-green to green, and needles are fairly stout. Cones are pale pink to yellow-buff in color. This species thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5a-7b.

Pinus radiata (Pinus insignis) (Monterey Pine, Insignis Pine, Radiata Pine)
This species is native to the Central Coast of California down through Mexico, and forms a fast-growing tree that has many uses commercially and ornamentally. It is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 10. These trees are considered to be critically imperiled in their native range due to disease, pests and climate change. Reaching between 50-100 feet tall when mature, Monterey Pine produces bright green foliage with needles in groups of three. Monterey Pine is considered invasive in New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa.

Pinus resinosa (Red Pine, Norway Pine, Pin Rouge, Northern Pine)
Native to eastern North America, this species has a tall, straight growth habit and reaches between 66 and 115 feet tall when mature. Bark is thick and gray-brown at the base of the tree, and bright orange-red and flaky towards the apex. This species is self-pruning, and older trees commonly have long lengths of bare trunks below the canopy. Red Pines grow well in USDA hardiness zones 2-7.

Pinus rigida (Pitch Pine, Black Pine, Hard Pine, Yellow Pine, Jack Pine, Torch Pine)
These small to medium-sized Pines are native to eastern areas of North America, and take an irregular form. They reach between 20 and 98 feet tall when mature, and commonly have twisting branches. Trunks are usually relatively straight with a slight curve and bark is thick and irregular-plated. These trees grow rapidly when young, and are suited for USDA zones 4-7.

Pinus roxburghii (Chir Pine, Longleaf Indian Pine, Himalayan Longleaf Pine, Roxburgh's Pine)
This species of Pine is native to the Himalayas and is named for Scottish surgeon and botanist William Roxburgh. It is suited for USDA hardiness zones 8b-10b. These large evergreens reach between 98 and 165 feet tall at maturity. with dark reddish-brown bark and yellow-green needles. These trees are valued for their drought tolerance and ability to withstand heat, and are commonly used in parks and gardens in hot, dry areas. This species is considered invasive in the central and western Himalayas and southern Africa.

Pinus sabiniana (Pinus sabineana) (Towani Pine, Foothill Pine, Gray Pine, Bull Pine, Hatcho, Tujhalo, Saak, Xirren, Ghost Pine)
These trees typically reach between 36 and 45 feet tall when mature, and have pale grey-green foliage. The seed cones produced by this species are large and heavy, weighing up to 1.5 pounds. This species is native to California, where it grows in foothills and coastal mountain ranges around the Central Valley. Foothill Pine is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 7-9 or Sunset growing zones 3-10 and 14-21.

Pinus serotina (Pond Pine, Black Bark Pine, Bay Pine, Marsh Pine, Pocosin Pine)
These trees grow along the southeastern United States and often has an irregular or crooked growth pattern. Bark is brownish red and foliage is green. These trees are found commonly in poorly drained sites, typically near swamps, ponds, bays, marshes, and wetlands. Pond Pines are suited for USDA hardiness zones 7a-9a.

Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine, Scotch Pine, Baltic Pine, European Red Pine)
This species is native to Eurasia, and has short blue-green leaves and reddish-orange bark. It is suited for USDA hardiness zones 3-8, and trees commonly reach about 115 feet tall (exceptionally to 150 feet). New shoots are light brown and cones are gray-green to yellow-brown when mature. Pollen cones are yellow, occasionally pink. Many varieties of this species are commonly grown in landscapes. This species is considered highly invasive in North America, New Zealand, and South America. Popular garden cultivars are listed and described below:

'Aurea' (Golden Scotch Pine)
These typically reach between 9 and 12 feet tall and have green summer foliage that turns bright golden-yellow in wintertime.

'Beuvronensis'
Reaching 10 feet tall and wide, these are great evergreen specimen and background shrubs, putting on 6-8 inches of growth per year.

'Frensham'
This dwarf Scots Pine forms a mound of pale grey-green foliage, and eventually forms a low 5-foot tall pyramid.

'Gold Coin'
These trees form an open to rounded irregular crown and reach between 6 and 20 feet tall. Foliage is bright golden in winter and yellow to soft-green in summer.

Pinus tabuliformis (Chinese Red Pine, Manchurian Red Pine, Southern Chinese Pine, Chinese Pine, Tabletop Pine)
This species of evergreen trees reach 66 and 98 feet tall and have a relatively fast growth rate when young, which slows down with age. Bark is grey-brown and cones emerge green and ripen to brown. The specific epithet, meaning 'table-shaped', refers to the trees' flat-topped crowns. Cultivation is uncommon outside of China, though it is kept in some botanical gardens. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5-9.

Pinus taeda (Loblolly Pine, Southern Yellow Pine, Oldfield Pine, North Carolina Pine, Arkansas Pine)
These trees can reach between 98 and 115 feet tall when mature, and are considered to be some of the tallest and fastest growing in the genus. Needles are green to yellow-green and bark is reddish-brown and deeply fissured. Branches are reddish-brown to dark yellow-brown. Loblolly Pines grow well in USDA hardiness zones 6-9. Loblolly Pines are considered invasive in the southeastern United States, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and South America.

Pinus taiwanensis (Taiwan Red Pine, Formosa Pine, Taiwan Black Pine, Taiwan Song)
This species is endemic to Taiwan, and forms a straight-trunked tree to 115 feet tall. It often grows in pure stands in mountain ranges. Needles form in bundles of two, and cones reach up to 3 inches long. Taiwan Red Pine grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8-10.

Pinus thunbergii (Black Pine, Japanese Black Pine, Japanese Pine, Gomsol, Heisong, Kuromatsu, Thunberg Pine)
This species is native to coastal Japan and South Korea (best in USDA hardiness zones 5-9), and can reach up to 140 feet tall, but are more commonly seen between 20 and 80 feet in gardens. Needles form in twos and are dark green. Bark is gray on young trees and small branches, turning almost black at maturity. These trees are tolerant of both pollution and salt, and is a popular horticultural tree, especially in coastal areas. This species is considered highly invasive in coastal regions of the northeastern and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.

Pinus torreyana (Torrey Pine, Del Mar Pine, Soledad Pine, Santa Rosa Island Torrey Pine)
This rare species of Pine tree is endemic to California and is critically endangered. it is named for American botanist John Torrey and typically reaches between 26 and 56 feet tall with a broad, open-crowned shape. They are commonly grown as ornamental plants in southern California. Torrey Pines thrive in USDA hardiness zones 8-10.

Pinus tropicalis (Tropical Pine, Pino Blanco, Pino Hembra)
These trees are endemic to the western highland areas of Cuba and typically reach about 100 feet tall at maturity. Foliage is green to deep green and bark is reddish-brown. Needles form in groups of two. These trees are tolerant to wildfire, and seeds germinate better in high heat conditions. Tropical Pine grows well in USDA hardiness zones 10-12.

Pinus virginiana (Virginia Pine, Scrub Pine, Jersey Pine, Possum Pine, Spruce Pine, Poverty Pine)
This species forms a medium-sized tree to between 20 and 60 feet tall, and prefers well-draining loam or clay soils. The typical life span of this species is between 65 and 90 years. Short needles are yellow-green and form in pairs. These trees are native to the eastern United States and are suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.

Pinus yunnanensis (Yunnan Pine, Yúnnán Sōng, 云南松)
This species is found in the Chinese provinces of Yunnan, Sichuan, Guizhou, and Guangxi. Trees reach about 100 feet tall when mature, and produce green to dark green needles in groups of two or three. Yunnan Pine thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6-9.

Caring for Pinus

Take care when planting these evergreens in the landscape, as some species are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Pine trees are considered to be easy to care for, and need to be planted in full sun. They will struggle to grow well if planted in too deep of shade, and ideally should be receiving between 6 and 8 hours of direct sun exposure each day. Ensure that soil is well-draining and moderately fertile. If local soils are poor or do not have good drainage, make sure to amend the planting site with plenty of organic material and/or sand before planting. They prefer acidic soil with a pH of between 4.0 and 7.0, though this varies somewhat depending on the species. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of trees to suppress weed growth, increase soil moisture retention, and help to regulate soil temperatures. Water newly planted Pine trees every few days for the first month they are in the ground. Then, reduce waterings to once a week or more frequently during periods of drought. Providing irrigation to at least cover lost precipitation during periods of extended drought can go a long way in keeping these trees pest and disease free.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pine trees are best trimmed between November and October to avoid attracting bark, boring, and engraving beetles. They don't need much in the way of pruning, simply remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. A certified arborist will be required to prune back larger trees. Pine trees are very long-lived, surviving for hundreds or even thousands of years in their native landscapes. In gardens, they can be expected to survive for decades to a century or more before needing to be replaced.

Propagation

Pinus trees can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Pine tree, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Pinus by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Propagating Pinus by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. Seeds are contained inside of the female cones produced by trees in summer or fall. They are the larger cones on the trees (smaller cones are male, and do not contain seeds). Cones will fall from their attachments when mature, and can be picked off of the ground. Remove seeds from cones and then place them in a bowl with lukewarm water for about 15 minutes. Viable seeds will sink, and floaters can be discarded.
Pine seeds need to be cold-stratified to increase odds of germination. Place seeds in a sealable container or plastic bag filled with moistened sand or peat moss and place the container in the refrigerator for between 60 and 90 days. Then, remove them and lay them out to work with them.
Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Pine cones contain the seeds for the next generation of trees.

Pine tree seeds can be winged or wingless.

Problems and Pests

Certain Pinus species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Pinus trees can be susceptible to the following pests and diseases: