Digging deeperPlant Library

Sherwood Compact Bristlecone Pine

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Description:

As if it were possible, this is an even slower-growing compact and dense form of an already slow-growing species, said to grow less than an inch a year; extremely slow growth and density makes it an ideal evergreen for rock gardens and bonsai

Ornamental Features

Sherwood Compact Bristlecone Pine is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the landscape or garden for its distinctively pyramidal habit of growth. It has emerald green evergreen foliage. The needles remain emerald green throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Sherwood Compact Bristlecone Pine is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Sherwood Compact Bristlecone Pine is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Sherwood Compact Bristlecone Pine will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. It has a low canopy. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live to a ripe old age of 300 years or more; think of this as a heritage shrub for future generations!

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided. This is a selection of a native North American species.