Pinus

Pinus - New Zealand’s Best Pine and Pine-Nut Trees

Growing colourful trees in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• They can provide shelter and screening
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Pine and Pinenut trees and the right one for your space. Our Pinus trees have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Pinus, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Pinus

1. What are some points about Pinus?

Some points about Pinus, the genus of pine trees:

Distribution and Diversity:

• Pinus is a widespread genus of coniferous trees, with over 150 species native to various regions across the Northern Hemisphere. They are particularly abundant in temperate and boreal forests, and some species can reach high elevations in mountainous regions.

Physical Characteristics:

• Pine trees are evergreen, meaning they retain their needles throughout the year. The needles are typically arranged in bundles called fascicles, and their number and length vary among species.
• Pine trees produce cones, which are seed-bearing structures. The cones are typically woody and scaly, and they come in various shapes and sizes depending on the species.
• Pine trees are monoecious, meaning they have separate male and female cones on the same tree. The male cones are smaller and produce pollen, while the female cones develop into mature cones that release seeds.

Ecological Significance:

• Pine trees play a crucial role in forest ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various wildlife species. Their needles and cones serve as food for birds, squirrels, and other animals.
• Pine trees contribute to soil nutrient cycling and erosion control. Their decaying needles and cones enrich the soil, while their roots help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.

Economic Importance:

• Pine trees are commercially valuable timber trees, providing lumber for construction, furniture, and other wood products. They are also a source of pulp for papermaking and resin for various industrial uses.
• Pine trees are cultivated in plantations for timber production and contribute to the global economy. They are also used in landscaping and ornamental plantings.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance:

• Pine trees have been revered for centuries in various cultures, often associated with longevity, strength, and resilience. They have been featured in mythology, art, and literature, representing wisdom, perseverance, and spiritual enlightenment.
• Pine trees are also associated with holidays and celebrations, such as Christmas and New Year's. Their evergreen nature symbolizes hope, renewal, and the enduring spirit of life.

These are just a few points about the fascinating genus of Pinus. Pine trees continue to play a significant role in our environment, our economy, and our cultural heritage.

2. What are the types of Pinus?

The genus Pinus is a diverse group of coniferous trees with over 150 species native to various regions across the Northern Hemisphere. They are classified into two subgenera based on the number of fibrovascular bundles in the needle:

Subgenus Pinus (Hard Pines)

Hard pines have two or three needles per fascicle and harder wood. They are typically found in temperate and boreal forests. Some common species of hard pines include:

• Pinus ponderosa: Ponderosa pine
• Pinus sylvestris: Scots pine
• Pinus resinosa: Red pine
• Pinus nigra: Black pine
• Pinus contorta: Lodgepole pine

Subgenus Strobus (Soft Pines)

Soft pines have five needles per fascicle and softer wood. They are typically found in cooler climates, such as mountainous regions and coastal areas. Some common species of soft pines include:

• Pinus strobus: Eastern white pine
• Pinus flexilis: Limber pine
• Pinus albicaulis: Whitebark pine
• Pinus cembra: Swiss pine
• Pinus koraiensis: Korean pine

Additional Pine Species:

In addition to the two main subgenera, there are a few other groups of pine trees that are sometimes classified separately:

• Pinyon pines: These are small, shrubby pines with small cones and needles. They are typically found in arid regions of the Western United States.
• Bristlecone pines: These are very slow-growing pines that can live for thousands of years. They are typically found in high-altitude mountains.
• Lacebark pines: These are pines with distinctive bark that peels off in strips. They are typically found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Pine trees are a diverse and fascinating group of plants with a wide range of characteristics and adaptations. They play an important role in our environment, our economy, and our cultural heritage.

3. What is the habit of Pinus?

The most common habit or growth form of Pinus trees is excurrent, where the main stem or leader continues to grow upwards, giving the tree a pyramidal or conical shape. This growth pattern is due to the apical dominance of the terminal bud, which suppresses the growth of lateral branches near the top of the tree. The excurrent habit allows Pinus trees to reach great heights and compete for sunlight in dense forest canopies.

Some Pinus species exhibit a decumbent or prostrate habit, where the main stem grows horizontally along the ground or slopes upwards only slightly. These forms are often found in harsh environments, such as high altitudes, rocky outcrops, or poor soils, where upward growth is limited. The decumbent or prostrate habit allows the tree to spread and cover a larger area, providing better anchorage and access to nutrients and moisture. Additionally, some Pinus species, particularly those in the Pinyon pine group, exhibit a shrub-like habit, with multiple stems branching from the base and forming a bushy or rounded shape. This growth form is often found in arid or semi-arid regions, where water resources are limited. The shrub-like habit allows the tree to conserve moisture and adapt to the harsh conditions.

4. How tall do Pinus grow?

The height of Pinus trees varies considerably depending on the species, environmental conditions, and age. Some species, such as the lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), typically reach heights of 20 to 80 feet (6 to 24 metres), while others, such as the ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), can grow to be over 300 feet (90 meters) tall. The tallest known Pinus tree, a ponderosa pine in southern Oregon, measures an impressive 280 feet (85 meters) tall.

Several factors influence the height of Pinus trees:

1. Species: Different Pinus species have inherent genetic predispositions for growth. For instance, lodgepole pines are typically shorter than ponderosa pines due to their genetic makeup.
2. Environmental Conditions: Factors such as soil fertility, water availability, sunlight exposure, and temperature play a significant role in Pinus growth. Trees in nutrient-rich, well-watered, and sunny locations tend to grow taller than those in less favorable conditions.
3. Age: Pinus trees are slow-growing but can live for centuries. As they mature, they continue to grow in height, reaching their maximum height at around 100 to 200 years of age.
4. Competition: In dense forests, Pinus trees compete for sunlight, which can limit their height. Trees that outcompete their neighbors may reach greater heights due to better access to light.
5. Disturbances: Natural disturbances like wildfires or insect infestations can damage or kill Pinus trees, affecting their potential height.
6. Genetics: Within a species, individual trees may exhibit variations in height due to genetic differences.

In general, Pinus trees are known for their impressive height and can dominate forest canopies. Their ability to reach great heights is a testament to their adaptability and resilience in various environmental conditions.

5. At what age does Pines stop growing?

The age at which Pinus trees stop growing varies depending on the species and environmental conditions. However, most Pinus species continue to grow in height and width for several hundred years, with some individuals living for over 1,000 years. The rate of growth slows down significantly as the tree matures, but it doesn't completely stop.

Here's a general overview of how Pinus tree growth progresses over time:

• Early Years: Pinus trees experience their fastest growth during their first 50 to 100 years. During this period, they can add metres of height each year.
• Middle Years: As the tree matures, the growth rate slows down. However, Pinus trees continue to grow in height and width, albeit at a slower pace.
• Later Years: In their later years, Pinus trees may only grow a few inches per year, or even stop growing altogether. However, they can still live for centuries, continuing to provide shade, habitat, and beauty in the forest.

The specific age at which Pinus trees stop growing depends on the species and environmental factors. For instance, lodgepole pines typically stop growing in height around 100 to 150 years of age, while ponderosa pines may continue to grow for 200 to 300 years or more.