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Description
Pinus Arizonica Var. Stormiae, also known as Storm’s Arizona Pine, is a subspecies of the Arizona pine tree. This evergreen tree is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, and it grows at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 feet. This unique pine tree was discovered and named after Stella Storm, who first documented it in 1964 in the Pinal Mountains of Arizona. The tree has a pyramidal shape and can grow up to 90 feet tall. Storm’s Arizona Pine has an attractive, blue-green color and produces cones that are up to 6 inches long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Genus | Pinus |
Appearance
Storm’s Arizona Pine has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other pine trees. Its needles are long and slender, measuring up to 4 inches in length. The needles are a beautiful blue-green color and grow in clusters of 5. The tree’s bark is dark brown and thick, providing it with protection from fires and other damage. The cones that the tree produces are also unique, measuring up to 6 inches in length and having a brown color.
Care Guide
If you are considering growing a Storm’s Arizona Pine, it is important to know how to care for it properly. Here are some tips to help you care for this beautiful tree:- Water: Storm’s Arizona Pine thrives in well-drained soil that is moist but not overly wet. Water the tree deeply once a week, or more often during periods of drought. – Fertilization: Fertilize your Storm’s Arizona Pine in the spring using a slow-release fertilizer. This will provide the tree with the nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy. – Soil: This pine tree prefers soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. The soil should also be well-drained and rich in organic matter. – Sunlight: Storm’s Arizona Pine thrives in full sunlight, so make sure to plant it in a location that gets plenty of sun. – Hardiness Zones: This tree can grow in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like all plants, Storm’s Arizona Pine is susceptible to pests and diseases. Here are some common issues to watch out for:- Pine needle scale: This insect can damage the tree’s needles and cause them to turn brown and fall off. – Pine blister rust: This fungal disease can cause cankers on the tree’s branches and trunk, leading to dieback and death. – Ips beetles: These beetles can bore into the tree’s bark and cause damage to the wood, leading to death.
Habitat
Storm’s Arizona Pine is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and mountain slopes. The tree prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Storm’s Arizona Pine grow in cold climates?
A: No, this tree prefers warmer climates and cannot tolerate extremely cold temperatures.
Q: How often should I water my Storm’s Arizona Pine?
A: Water the tree deeply once a week, or more often during periods of drought.
Q: Does Storm’s Arizona Pine produce edible seeds?
A: Yes, the seeds of this tree are edible and can be harvested for food.
Q: Can Storm’s Arizona Pine be grown in containers?
A: No, this tree grows too large to be grown in a container and needs to be planted in the ground.
Related Plants
– Pinus arizonica- Pinus engelmannii- Pinus ponderosa- Pinus strobiformis
References
– “Pinus arizonica var. stormiae.” The Gymnosperm Database. Retrieved from http://www.conifers.org/pi/Pinus_arizonica_var._stormiae.php- “Storm’s Arizona Pine.” Dave’s Garden. Retrieved from https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/186961/
