PlantFiles: Southwestern White Pine, Mexican White Pine
Pinus strobiformis

Also known as "Ayacahuite" (ah-yah-kah-WE-tay). Needles are finely serrated and noticably bluer than Eastern White Pine. Branches grow in regular whorls while young. Bark is thin, smooth and ash-gray on young trees, forming rectangular plates of gray-brown on maturity. Slender pollen cones on new shoots. Seed cones in clusters on main branches and are held until seeds are dispursed. Requires moist location and protection from wind this far north.

We selected this as an alternative to the vastly overplanted Eastern White Pine. It grows almost as fast, is as soft looking, but even bluer. Even guests who are not into gardening ask about this tree - it is obviously not your typical pine.

From Musser: Similar to Eastern White Pine, except needles are longer, heavier, more dense and more silvery-blue. A five needled pine, both needles and branches are more rigid than Eastern White Pine making this superior for Christmas tree use. Reaches a height of 50 to 60 feet and a spread of 30 to 35 feet. This strain is native to the mountainous regions of S. AZ, SW. NM, W. TX, and south into Mexico. It will grow from these areas north to NY state. For Christmas tree use, shear when new growth appears.
Zone: 5-7
Height: 50-60 Feet
Spread: 30-35 Feet