Pine — Bristlecone(foxtail)
Pinus aristata
Pine — Bristlecone(foxtail) (Pinus aristata) is a Colorado-native tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 15–30 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide, and needs low to medium water. Slow growing.
Colorado nativelow to medium water15–30 ft tall and 15–20 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended
- Botanical name
- Pinus aristata
- Variety / cultivar
- Bristlecone(foxtail)
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 15–30 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- loam, sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Good for
- slope, south wall
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold Hardiness
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers (less for xeric pines in heavy clay — they're prone to root rot). Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen — evergreens transpire year-round. Year 3: taper to twice per month in summer; only during extreme drought thereafter.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Pine — Bristlecone(foxtail) good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes. Pine — Bristlecone(foxtail) is included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a tree suited to Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Pine — Bristlecone(foxtail) get?
- It matures to about 15–30 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide.
- How much water does Pine — Bristlecone(foxtail) need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Pine — Bristlecone(foxtail) native to Colorado?
- Yes — it is a Colorado native.
