Contents
Description
Pinus Balfouriana, also known as Foxtail Pine, is a stunning tree native to the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. This evergreen tree can live for over 2000 years and grows up to 60 feet tall with a trunk diameter of 3 feet. Its uniquely shaped cones resemble a fox’s tail, hence the name Foxtail Pine.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Genus | Pinus |
Appearance
Pinus Balfouriana has a distinct appearance with its long, blueish-green needles that grow in clusters of five. The needles can grow up to 2.5 inches long and have a unique twist to them. The tree has a conical shape with a flat top and a thick, rough bark that can be dark brown or grey. Its cones grow up to 8 inches long and have a unique shape that resembles a fox’s tail.
Care Guide
To care for Pinus Balfouriana, it’s important to ensure it has the right amount of water, fertilizer, soil, sunlight, and is planted in the right hardiness zone. Water: Foxtail Pine needs moderate watering during the growing season and less during the winter months. Ensure the soil is well-drained, and water the tree deeply once a week during the growing season.Fertilization: This tree does not require a lot of fertilization, but it can benefit from an all-purpose fertilizer in early spring.Soil: Foxtail Pine prefers well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5.Sunlight: This tree thrives in full sun or partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Pinus Balfouriana is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Foxtail Pine is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by pine bark beetles, which can cause severe damage to the tree. Other common pests include pine needle scale and pine sawfly. Diseases that can affect this tree include white pine blister rust and Dothistroma needle blight.
Habitat
Pinus Balfouriana is native to the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California, where it grows at elevations above 7,000 feet. It thrives in high-altitude environments with cold winters and mild summers.
Question and Answer
Q: How long can Pinus Balfouriana live?
A: This tree can live for over 2000 years.
Q: What is the unique feature of Pinus Balfouriana cones?
A: The cones resemble a fox’s tail.
Q: What is the pH of the soil that Pinus Balfouriana prefers?
A: This tree prefers well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Pinus Balfouriana?
A: This tree is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Related Plants
- Pinus contorta var. latifolia (Lodgepole Pine)
- Pinus monticola (Western White Pine)
- Pinus ponderosa (Ponderosa Pine)
References
- Arno, S. F., & Gruell, G. E. (1983). Fire history at the forest-grassland ecotone in southwestern Montana. Journal of Range Management, 36(3), 332-336.
- Farjon, A. (2017). A Handbook of the World’s Conifers. Koninklijke Brill NV.
- Peñuelas, J., & Boada, M. (2003). A global change-induced biome shift in the Montseny mountains (NE Spain). Global Change Biology, 9(2), 131-140.
