PlantFiles: Afghan Pine, Eldar Pine, Mondell Pine, Mondale Pine
Pinus eldarica

Great. I live in Mexico, Sonora desert too. And this plant thrives very well mainly as "dunes fixer" . In many countries from the mediterran Africa they have very good technology for this plant in sandy dunes. Gives life to the desert

Bought my Afgan for Christmas 2005 at a local market. I usually buy a living Christmas tree once every 2-3 years. I keep it in a large pot with wheels to bring indoors for Christmas those years. Then they go into the ground. I live in the Central Valley of California. We had a horribly hot spell for two-three weeks this year during which I kept a special eye on all potted plants. My pine has some new growth on the tips, but more die off of needles (more internal toward the trunck). I have noticed any change in height. I am thinking I ought to put it in the ground now since it is almost Fall. Any thoughts?

I purchased 3 Eldarica Pines today at the local Home Depot, where they are on holiday clearance aisle in garden center for $5 ea. (6 ft +). I read the pros and cons mentioned beforehand, then decided to go ahead at that price, and see what kind of luck we have with them here. I plan to plant them far away from the house/water hose/sprinkler, etc., and will see how they do. They are so healthy looking and seem to have thrived on neglect in the parking lot there all fall/winter, so we'll see how they do in my yard, with the same attention...:/

We plant a 3-4 foot tall tree each Christmas for our Grandkids. They each have one now, from last year's to one that is over 30 feet tall and 19 years old. We live east of Buda, Texas (15 miles southeast of Austin) and are on the very edge of what is known as the Blackland Prairie. Heavy clay soil, very alkaline. Zone 8 I think. These pines were planted on hills, fairly close together and have thrived. Beautiful trees with lots of cones. Last year,three of the middle sized ones 10-12 feet tall - about 11 years old started turning brown. I started looking around Austin, and have found many dying Eldaricas. This year, several others are now turning brown, seems only on the north side of the trunk. We are heartsick - if it is a fungus - is there a cure ?

My Mom had a beautiful 30-40 ft Afghan pine. The needles are turning brown and the tree is definitely dying. The local nursery told us that the tree does not do well in our area. Anyone know why it is dying? Is there a treatment?

I planted these trees 15 years ago and they have survived baseball sized hail, and drought conditions. They have done very well in West Texas area. Only problem I have had is nantucket pine tip moth. I have been able to control this with systimic insectiside spray.

Is there anything at all that can save the pines? I had mine (3) sprayed with an anti-fungal spray (I believe copper based) but that has not worked.

I planted my afghan pines about 20 years ago and can confirm they are all dying. Too bad as they grew fast and looked good. All the needles are turning brown. Had to cut one down just this week. San Antonio

The Afghan Pine is not a native pine and was planted extensively in the central texas area. All the Afghan pines in this area are now dying probably from the spread of the fungal disease Diplodia pinea. (USDA Forest Disease Leaflet 161) I have had to cut down 12 mature pine trees on my property. I do not recommend planting this pine anywhere without running the risk of contacting the disease.

Thrives in desert heat, drought and wind. Good for seashore conditions, and tolerates poor soils and difficult climates.

Native to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Southern Russia. Moderate to fast growth, especially when young. May reach 30 feet to 80 feet at maturity. Forms small attractive cones.
Has a deep root system. Most common pests are bark aphids and mites.

The natural shape is attractive with separated branches, but if desired, it may be pruned with hand shears or hedge shears to the desired shape.

On a personal note, we purchased one of these as a living Christmas tree, height 6 feet, around 9-10 years ago. It is now more than 25 feet tall and beautiful. The birds love to nest in it. I would plant more of these when they are available.

When the wind blows through the needles, it makes a beautiful breathy relaxing sound. We have never trimmed ours. It has a beautiful shape as is.