Plant Database

Other Names:  Twisted Pine, Contorta Pine

Description:

A stunning architectural specimen with a rather open and loose habit; practically always crooked and windswept; tolerates seacoast exposure; becomes a rugged character tree with maturity

Ornamental Features

Shore Pine is primarily valued in the landscape for its ornamental upright and spreading habit of growth. It has dark green evergreen foliage. The needles remain dark green throughout the winter. The shaggy brick red bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Shore Pine is an open evergreen tree with a strong central leader and an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree. 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.

Shore Pine is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Hedges/Screening

Planting & Growing

Shore Pine will grow to be about 20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live to a ripe old age of 100 years or more; think of this as a heritage tree for future generations!

This tree 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 considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species.