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Pinus eldarica

Image of Pinus eldarica

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Pinaceae

Botanical Name

Pinus eldarica

Plant Common Name

Afghan pine, Eilar Pine

General Description

This is a fast growing pine for regions with extremes of temperature and the rigors of periodic drought. Afghan pine is native to the eastern Mediterranean, Afghanistan and Persia. Populations are most numerous in semi-arid areas with extreme summer heat and very cold winters.

This upright, tree has a rounded canopy that features dark green foliage with needles in bundles of two. Its bark is very thick, gray and red-brown hued and deeply fissured. Its pretty cones are oval and brown.

This is an ideal candidate for the challenging conditions of the southwestern high desert because it is tolerant of iron poor sandy soils with little organic matter. These trees resist hot winds, so they are great as windbreaks. It is a reliable landscape evergreen for tough landscapes.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tree

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    30'-40' / 9.1m - 12.2m

  • Width

    25'-30' / 7.6m - 9.1m

  • Native To

    Mediterranean, Turkey

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    None

  • Fruit Color

    Sandy Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green

  • Bark Color

    Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    Yes

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Fissured

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    No