Bristlecone pine

Bristlecone pine occurs in small, scattered areas near or at timberline in the spruce-fir forests, where it usually occurs in pure stands.

A bristlecone pine six feet tall may contain as many as 900 annual growth rings. It is most interesting to note that old trees native to California, Colorado and Arizona, dwarfed by age and drought, have been estimated to be 7100 years old.

Found in the high, barren, windswept slopes of the South western states, these twisted and gnarled veterans have sculpture by time weather and the other elements into dramatic shapes and draped in picturesque colors.

The key to their great age and beauty partially lies in the ability of the species to adjust to the adverse and continually changing environmentally conditions. They are well suited to survive the scarcity of water and abidance of cold temperature.

Bristlecone pine cones are uniform in shape but vary greatly in size. The cones are 3” to 3.5” in length and are a deep chocolate brown at maturity. The cone scales are stout, thick and armed with a long, fragile curved (bristle-like) prickle from which the bristlecone pine receives its common name.
Bristlecone pine