Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine
(Pinus aristata)
We have two on the west side of our lawn.
The male cones were relasing pollen when these pictures were taken (11 Aug/17). The male cones are between last year’s and this year’s growth, and are on almost all of the lower branches. The female cones are higher up.
New first year female cones are small and blue with relatively long bristles. Second-year cones are brown, longer, and often covered with sap. Needles (according to Bonzai Tonight) are long-lived, up to 20 years.
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first year female cone |
second year femal cone |
Male cones