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, slow-growing, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Slow growing.
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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
- Mature form
- Irregular / open
- Spacing / clearance
- ~20 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–7
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- 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
- Pollinator value
- low
- Tolerates
- Slopes & erosion control, Hot south- or west-facing walls
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Native ecoregion
- montane
Common problems on the Front Range
- Mountain pine beetle in drought-stressed pines
- Pine wilt nematode (esp. Scots and Austrian pine)
- Pine needle scale
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
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 a well-suited tree for 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 room does Pine, Bristlecone(foxtail) need?
- Give Pine, Bristlecone(foxtail) about 20 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Pine, Bristlecone(foxtail) grow into?
- Pine, Bristlecone(foxtail) typically grows into an irregular, picturesque outline that varies from plant to plant. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Pine, Bristlecone(foxtail) hardy on the Front Range?
- Pine, Bristlecone(foxtail) is hardy in USDA 4–7. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Pine, Bristlecone(foxtail) need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Pine, Bristlecone(foxtail) grow?
- Pine, Bristlecone(foxtail) is a slow-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Pine, Bristlecone(foxtail) live?
- Pine, Bristlecone(foxtail) is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Pine, Bristlecone(foxtail) native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Pine, Bristlecone(foxtail) deer-resistant?
- Pine, Bristlecone(foxtail) is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Pine, Bristlecone(foxtail) prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Pine, Bristlecone(foxtail) can be affected by mountain pine beetle in drought-stressed pines and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
