Accession Count: 76
Common Name:
elder pine
Family Name:
Pinaceae
Botanical Name:
Pinus brutia
Sub Species:
Variety:
eldarica
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Compound:
Pin bru
Geographic Origin:
Middle East
Ecozone Origin:
Palearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The elder pine was originally discovered in the Middle East but was soon prized for its ability to grow in cold climates as well as to live through hot dry periods. It was brought to the United States in 1961 and is now a predominant plant in the southwest (2).
Cultivation Notes:
The best way to propagate elder pine is by seed. The seed has a double dormancy, physical and chemical. These dormancies can be overcome by stratification, leaving the seed in cold temperatures for 30 days, and then scarification, letting the seed soak in water for 24-36 hours. Once this has been done the seed should be planted 1/4’’ into the media. The best time to plant is during the spring, although you can sow in fall and the seed will germinate in the spring (1).
Ethnobotany:
Originally this pine was used as a windbreak and to create secluded areas for the wealthy in the Persian Empire. After it was brought to the United States it was utilized in “parks, golf courses, school grounds, commercial properties, and front or back yards” (2). It also has a history of being used as a Christmas tree (1).
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
20 - 50 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
Color:
Function:
Screen
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
