Identification: Pines ID

Discussion in 'Gymnosperms (incl. Conifers)' started by giqu, Aug 14, 2014.

  1. giqu

    giqu New Member

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    Hi folks, I was referred to here from another forum for a definitive ID of the following pine. See below for description and pics. thx.

    - 3ft tall by 5ft wide
    - Needles: come in pairs, blueish/dark green, up to 1.5in in length.
    - Bark: fissured/furrowed on trunk. Flaky/papery on old branch.
     

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  2. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Either Pinus contorta (most likely) or Pinus banksiana.
     
  3. pinenut

    pinenut Active Member 10 Years

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    Contorta as in Shore Pine Michael? Just curious as I don't recall having seen bark like that on a Lodgepole Pine. NOT contradicting, just curious. I live inland amongst the Lodgepole. For Jack Pine I'd have to see the cones. And frankly, I don't remember what their bark looks like.
    Cheers
    Carl
     
  4. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Yep, as in Shore Pine.

    I too would like to see some cones, but none are visible (other than the old pollen cones of course). If there are any, could you post pics please, giqu?
     
  5. giqu

    giqu New Member

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    Michael, lucky me I found one cone. See pics from different angles. The cone is just a little bit longer than 1cm.
     

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  6. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Thanks! Tricky, as it's only an immature (first-year) conelet, that won't be mature until autumn 2015. Pretty sure nor it's not Pinus banksiana, but I'm also now wondering about Pinus edulis as an additional possibility.

    Can you get a similar large close-up pic or two of the most vigorous shoots at the top of the tree, please?
     
  7. giqu

    giqu New Member

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    Here they are. First shoot (pic 1 and 2) seems to be fairly recent with bright green needles. Second shoot (pic 3 and 4) seems has hardened off. Also I notice (not sure if it's relevant since this is tree is pretty pot bound) most shoots extention believed from this year is about 2in long.
     

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  8. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Thanks!

    Not Pinus edulis after all; it has to be Pinus contorta. Yep, the slow growth will be a consequence of its being pot-bound.
     

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