Wulfskaar's Bristlecone Pine from seed

[Wulfskaar]

I sowed this from seed in the fall of 2020.

I have several from this period, but this one in particular is the strongest by far.

Fall 2020


Spring 2021


Spring 2025

 

[Wulfskaar]

My first question is about the candles extending at the apex. Should I remove all but two now to reduce bulging? Do I treat these like JBP and remove in May/June? Or just continue to let it grow?

 

[MaciekA]

In your question above, do you mean to ask this about a bristlecone? I'm asking because the above picture is of not of a bristlecone. I grow bristlecone and it is very different-appearing from this since it is a 5-needle pine species. Perhaps this was the right tree, but the wrong title for the thread?

 

[Wulfskaar]

In your question above, do you mean to ask this about a bristlecone? I'm asking because the above picture is of not of a bristlecone. I grow bristlecone and it is very different-appearing from this since it is a 5-needle pine species. Perhaps this was the right tree, but the wrong title for the thread?

The seeds were labeled "Pinus aristata, Bristlecone pine".
It looks very much like pictures of seedlings I see online as well.

Another search shows "Pinus longaeva" and "Pinus aristata" both called "bristlecone pine".

 

[MaciekA]

Do you have any close up pictures of the bases of needle bundles? The photos so far look like a 2-needle species. All bristlecone species are 5-needle pines. Arista, which I grow and am familiar with up-close, also has resin flecks/specks on the needles, but this one doesn't have those. The resin flecks are visible even on young seedlings like this one (look at the closeups): https://sequoiatrees.com/products/bristlecone-pine-pinus-aristata-large-tree-seedling

 

[Colorado]

Agreed with @MaciekA , does not look like a bristlecone pine.

 

[rusticana]

The seeds were labeled "Pinus aristata, Bristlecone pine".
It looks very much like pictures of seedlings I see online as well.

Another search shows "Pinus longaeva" and "Pinus aristata" both called "bristlecone pine".

Theres also rocky mountain bristlecone pine/ancient pine. But they are all 5 needle pines. I collected some of those seeds but was not successful like you. The needles are also a tad long compared to my mature specimen. With a white stripe. Though that could be environmental? Still good reason to be happy with your project.

 

[Wulfskaar]

Do you have any close up pictures of the bases of needle bundles? The photos so far look like a 2-needle species. All bristlecone species are 5-needle pines. Arista, which I grow and am familiar with up-close, also has resin flecks/specks on the needles, but this one doesn't have those. The resin flecks are visible even on young seedlings like this one (look at the closeups): https://sequoiatrees.com/products/bristlecone-pine-pinus-aristata-large-tree-seedling

I really appreciate the help on this!

Tomorrow I'll be able to get closer pics of this particular tree, as well as the others from the same batch from 2020. Some have the white flecks. I had always thought they were bird crap.

Here is a closeup of one of those others from the same seed pack. Some definitely have more than 2 needles from the same point. No white flecks on this one though. Some look like only 2.