Swiss Stone Pine
Pinus cembra
Swiss Stone Pine (Pinus cembra) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 30–40 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide, slow-growing, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun.
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At a glance
- Rating
- Right spot only (FRTRL: Conditionally Recommended)
- Botanical name
- Pinus cembra
- Variety / cultivar
- Swiss Stone Pine
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 30–40 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide
- Mature form
- Pyramidal
- Spacing / clearance
- ~20 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–7
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- 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
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Soil ChemistryOur alkaline clay locks up iron for this one, so leaves often yellow between green veins and growth stalls unless you treat it.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
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 Swiss Stone Pine good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Swiss Stone Pine is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- Why is Swiss Stone Pine only conditionally recommended on the Front Range?
- The main catches here: Our alkaline clay locks up iron for this one, so leaves often yellow between green veins and growth stalls unless you treat it.
- How big does Swiss Stone Pine get?
- It matures to about 30–40 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide.
- How much room does Swiss Stone Pine need?
- Give Swiss Stone Pine about 20 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Swiss Stone Pine grow into?
- Swiss Stone Pine typically grows into a pyramidal, conical outline that is widest at the base. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Swiss Stone Pine hardy on the Front Range?
- Swiss Stone Pine is hardy in USDA 3–7. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Swiss Stone Pine need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Swiss Stone Pine grow?
- Swiss Stone Pine is a slow-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Swiss Stone Pine live?
- Swiss Stone Pine is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Swiss Stone Pine native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Swiss Stone Pine deer-resistant?
- Swiss Stone Pine is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Swiss Stone Pine prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Swiss Stone Pine 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.
