The Bristlecone Pine grows in high elevations of over 5,000 ft/1,525 m in parts of Nevada, Utah and California. This slow-growing tree is well-adapted to survive in very severe and tough environments.

The deep yellow-green needles are 5/8 to 1 1/4 in/1.6 - 3.2 cm long and grow in very dense bundles of 5. These bundles are arranged on the branches and resemble a bottle brush. This growth formation is the easiest way to help identify the tree.

The cones grow 3-4 in/7.6-10 cm long and are a reddish brown in colour. The trunk is often remarkably gnarled and twisted looking. In fact, sometimes the tree appears to be dead, and parts of it may be, but a close look often reveals new grow and life in another part of the tree.

The Bristlecone Pine often grows in the strangest spots such as cliff edges and rugged, rocky high alpine zones. It would appear that the harsh environments it prefers have helped it adapt to be a long-living survivor.

Walking in the Wild

The Douglas-Fir »