Other Names:  Obispo Pine, Pricklecone, Santa Cruz Island Pine

Description:

An interesting native variety producing upswept branches covered in long needles; large dark brown cones form on the trunk, and will persist on the tree unopened until a fire occurs; habit is rounded, eventually forming an irregular crown

Ornamental Features

Bishop Pine is primarily valued in the landscape for its ornamental upright and spreading habit of growth. It has rich green evergreen foliage. The large needles remain green throughout the winter. The dark brown fruits are held in cones from mid to early summer.

Landscape Attributes

Bishop Pine is an evergreen tree with a strong central leader and an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Bishop Pine is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade
• Windbreaks and Shelterbelts
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Bishop Pine will grow to be about 70 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 40 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in poor soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is native to parts of North America.