Pinus densata Seeds | Alpine Pine
LATIN NAME: Pinus densata
COMMON NAME: Alpine Pine
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as Alpine Pine, Pinus densata is a tall, upright, evergreen tree in the pine family (Pinaceae). Alpine pine bristles tall, upright, evergreen tree with stiff, dark-green needles in paired bundles that crowd branches and small, oval cones that ripen through second season, bark developing thick, grey-brown plates on old trunks. Crown holds narrow, conical form, and tree stands cold, wind and poor, rocky soils with remarkable ease. It likes sun, and deep, well-drained soil. For the gardener, the sum of these traits is a plant that is easy to live with.
Science & Biotechnology
Seed science, comparative botany and horticultural selection all touch on Pinus densata, a representative of the pine family with clear practical value. Extreme altitude range of alpine pine holds a long place in research on high-mountain pines of pine family, and densata species appears in studies of thin-air survival and watershed protection. In the laboratory and trial ground alike, it serves as workable material for propagation research and line selection.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Alpine Pine has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. In cold, exposed garden, alpine pine bristles high ridges with dark green. Narrow, bristling crown makes windbreak for high ground, it holds soil on rocky slopes, and timber and resin have served traditional uses for generations. It thrives in deep, well-drained, sunny ground. Beyond the establishment year, its needs are simple and few.
Pines are a materia medica of their own: vitamin-C-rich needle teas saved explorers from scurvy, pine pollen is a tonic food in China, bark proanthocyanidins are studied for circulation, and resin gave turpentine, rosin and naval stores to history.
Growing from Seed
Alpine Pine grows readily from seed. Level a tray of loose seed compost, sow evenly, cover to about the seed’s own depth, and keep it moist in full light. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
It is a solid representative of the Pinus group, true to type from seed. Even moisture while the seed is chitting is the main thing; afterwards it largely looks after itself.
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