Pinus strobiformis Seeds | Southwestern White Pine
LATIN NAME: Pinus strobiformis
COMMON NAME: Southwestern White Pine, Mexican White Pine
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Southwestern White Pine (Pinus strobiformis) is a tree in the pine family (Pinaceae), native to mountain forests of the southwestern united states and the Mexico, while it has been cultivated in large gardens and the parks. Established plants reach around Twenty-five metres. Together these qualities explain its long-standing appeal to gardeners.
Science & Biotechnology
Botanists studying the pine family regularly include Pinus strobiformis in comparative work, and the species also appears in horticultural trials aimed at gardeners and growers. Southwestern white pine has a real and distinguished place in research. For researchers, plants like this one offer practical material for propagation studies and selection work.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Southwestern White Pine has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. Southwestern white pine is a medium-sized to large, evergreen conifer of mountain forests, bearing blue-green, five-needled needles and large, curved, brown cones. Its seeds are a food for birds and squirrels, and its tall, conical crown gives a fine presence in large garden and park, while its tolerance of dry, mountain conditions makes it a valuable tree for southwestern landscape. To raise southwestern white pine, sow fresh seeds in pots of moist, open soil in a cool, bright place, keep them gently watered, and grow little trees on in the sun. Once it has its roots down, it more or less looks after itself.
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
Southwestern White Pine grows readily from seed. Sow the seeds evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, keep the sowing evenly moist, and give the pot or tray bright light. When the young plants are big enough to handle, space them into pots or a nursery row and let them size up before their final move.
Our Take
Part of this plant’s appeal is the long practical history summarized above. Once established, Southwestern White Pine, Mexican White Pine largely looks after itself. Sun, free drainage and a patient first year are all it really requires.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Southwestern White Pine often pair it with these related subjects: