Blue Pine Tree Species – Are There Blue Pine Types?


Types Of Blue Pine Trees
 

You may have seen many varieties of pine trees in different sizes and shapes. But have you ever seen a handsome pine tree with a bluish tint?
 
If yes, then you might have experienced the urge of having one in your house garden, or backyard. This is normal since the blue pine trees are ideal ornamental trees for residential landscaping.
 
Their blue-tinted needles attract many passersby who love trees. There are different types of blue pine trees known for their pretty colored foliage. Read on to learn more about these Himalayan blue pine.

 

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What Is A Blue Pine (Pinus wallichiana)?

Scientifically known as ‘Pinus wallichiana’, the blue pine belongs to the genus ‘Pinus’. It is a majestic coniferous and evergreen tree found in the higher altitude regions of 2000 m to 4000 m.
 
These magnificent trees are also referred to by the names Himalayan white pine, Bhutan pine, Himalayan pine, Himalayan blue pine, and Pinus wallichiana.
 
You can prominently find these trees in the Himalayas and other areas starting from Afghanistan to Tibet. The dense and lush green forest cover of various blue pines can be found in regions with 1800 m  to 4300 m altitude.
 
Similar to other trees the blue pine tree species are pleasing and known for producing foliage of various colors.
 

Blue Pine Overview (Himalayan Pine)

Kingdom Plantae
Family   Pinaceae
Scientific name Pinus wallichiana
Genus Pinus
Tree Type Evergreen
Height 98–164 ft
Growth rate Fast
Native to The Himalayas, from Afghanistan to Tibet
Sun exposure Full sun
Soil Well-drained, loamy or moist clay
Hardiness Zones     5 – 7

 

About Himalayan Pine (Pinus wallichiana)

The Himalayan pine or Blue pine trees are visually appealing with pyramidal and dense foliage. You can distinguish this tree by its attractive features like needled blue and green colored leaves.
 
You can find these leaves in clusters called fascicles, comprising around five leaves each. The tree also features a group of dropping long cones of cylindrical shape.
 
It typically has a dark brown and grey color bark that is flaky at the bottom of the trunk. The Himalayan pine can be found in well-drained and moist environments preferably clay or loamy soils.
 
They love to grow quickly in full sunlight while being protected from heavy winds.
 

Does Blue Pine (Himalayan Pine) Have Any Other Type?

There are no true blue pine varieties. But there are some cultivars considered to be a type of Himalayan blue pines like Scots pine, Pinus strobus, Japanese white pine, and Single-leaf Pinyon pine tree.
 
If you want to pick the best suitable variety for your residential garden, make sure to go through the types of blue pine trees discussed here.
 

Where Are Blue Pine Trees Found?

The Himalayan pine or Blue pine trees are mainly found in the South Asian regions. You can find these evergreen trees scattered all over Afghanistan to Tibet, including, Nepal, Pakistan, India, and from Bhutan to Myanmar.

 

Different Types of Himalayan Blue Pine With Blue-Colored Foliage

1. Pinus Sylvestris (Scots Pine) Cultivars

Also known as Scotch pine, this is a type of Conifer tree with blue-colored foliage. It is a picturesque plant featuring thick foliage and flaky brown-orange bark.
 
These trees can reach as high as 30 ft to 60 ft. When young the Scotch pine is irregular and pyramidal with drooping branches. The ones at the bottom tend to die sooner.
 
As this plant matures the foliage spreads wide and becomes rounded. It has clusters of stiff and long bluish-green needles with 2 per cluster. The cones of this pine tree are often asymmetrical with a small stalk.
 
The perfect growing conditions for these blue pine tree types include well-drained soil and full sun exposure. However, it is easy to transplant and can thrive in dry and poor landscapes. It originally belongs to Eurasia.

 

2. Pinus Parviflora (Japanese White Pine) Cultivars

The Japanese white pine or Pinus parviflora is originally from Korea and Japan. It develops thick foliage, flattened canopy, and spreading branches as it ages.
 
But when it is young, this evergreen coniferous has a conical shape. When cultivated under perfect conditions like moderately moist, well-drained soils and full sun, this tree can climb up to 30 ft to 50 ft.
 
The beautiful foliage of this blue pine tree species can spread about 10 to 15 m. In the wild, these trees may gain a height of about 90 ft tall.
 
At the tips of its branches, you can find needles of silver and blue color.

 

3. Pinus Strobus Cultivars or Blue Shag Eastern White Pine

It is also known as the Weymouth pine or Eastern white pine. It is a majestic tall tree with a height of about 75 ft. to 100 ft. It is the commonly found conifer in northeastern areas.
 
This canopy tree can be distinguished from other types of blue pine trees. In comparison to other conifer pines, this tree has a shape like that of a plume.
 
The cones of this tree are as long as 6 to 8 inches. Whereas, the branches of this tree are layered and horizontal with a bunch of blue and green needles.
 
At the end of the twigs, you can find tufts of 5 needles. It has a crown and horizontal-shaped branches that become irregular and broadened as it matures

 

4. Single-Leaf Pinyon Pine Tree (Pinus Monophylla)

Pinus Monophylla is one of the fairly ornamental blue pine tree species. This is a beautiful evergreen tree that spread thick foliage throughout the year.
 
It can grow up really shorter, usually not more than 50 ft tall. On the other hand, when found in drier areas like the Great basin, the pinyon tree may grow up to 20 ft tall.
 
Only one of its species has one-needled leaves that are attached to its stems. As for every other variety of pinyon pine, you can find needles in a cluster of 2 to 5. This rare pine is also popular for its largest and best-tasting nuts.
 
Related: Pine Tree Types
 

Other Trees That Have Blue Leaves and Needles Often Confused With Pine

  • Juniper Trees – Confused with the types of blue pine trees is this pretty picturesque tree with bluish tinted needles. You can often spot many varieties of juniper trees in walkways or backyards.
  • But the ‘Blue Point’ is a highly popular and slow-growing juniper tree with a height between 8ft to 12 ft. The most attractive feature of this tree is the dense foliage that is bluish silver colored.
     

  • Spruce Trees – It is another tree that features needles of blue color. The most-liked spruce tree is the Montgomer spruce which displays blue-green colored needles.
  • It makes a perfectly appealing plant to have on your home or business landscape. These species are fairly low-maintenance. So, you don’t have to worry much about their upkeep like trimming or pruning.
     

  • Cedar Trees – Resembling blue pine tree types, these are one of the largest pyramid-shaped trees similar to pines that display foliage with a bluish hue. The trees have pointed tops and spread wide as the branch droops towards the base of the tree.
  • The best way to distinguish a cedar from pine is by the small size. It has only four varieties that flaunt tall and large trunks. The most popular kind of Cedar tree is the Atlas cedar, which is admired for its blue-green and green colored needles.
     

  • Cypress Trees – This is a deciduous tree that is easily adaptable in any condition. It is a quick-growing conifer that does not fall in the category of an evergreen tree.
  • These can perfectly grow well in dry soil to highly wet and moist soil. If we talk about their quick adaptability, they can even thrive in short-term drought.
     

  • Fir Trees – These trees have needled leaves that directly grow out from the branches. The needles of these trees are really soft. When their needled leaves fall off the branches, they tend to leave a circular mark.

Whenever these coniferous trees need to grow fresh and healthier leaves, they shed the old leaves. The fir trees are relatively taller. So, you may be less likely to see it in any backyard or garden in your neighborhood. These trees are more likely to thrive in forests.

Pine Types: White Pine | Long Leaf Pine | Japanese Pine
 

FAQs

Q. How big do blue pine trees get?

A. Blue pines can grow up to 80-150 feet in height with a spread of 30-50 feet when fully mature.
 

Q. Is it easy to care for blue pine tree species?How’d you do it?

A. Being found in many sizes, shapes, and colors, the pines are really a great work of nature. It is easy to grow pine trees on any landscape. If you are considering having one in your backyard, then go for it.
 
These are low-maintenance trees that are easy to keep. Just make sure to keep the plant in moderate to full sunlight. Remember to water the plants on a routine basis, every one to two weeks.
 
As you water it, allow the soil to completely soak water. Just look out for the signs when your plant appears sad, like brown and crispy leaves at the ends, wilting, black stems, or leaves turning yellow.
 
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