Himalayan pine (Pinus wallichiana)

Himalayan pine

Features and Characteristics

Pinus wallichiana, commonly called Himalayan pine or Himalayan white pine, is a medium to tall pyramidal conifer that is native to foothills in the Himalayas from eastern Afghanistan to northern Burma primarily at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 feet. It has a broad base with horizontal lower branching and slightly ascending upper branching. With age, the tree broadens as it develops a rounded crown. In full sun locations, lower branching to the ground typically remains healthy. In cultivation, it usually grows 30-50’ tall, but in the wild may reach 150’ tall. Gray-green needles (to 8” long) in bundles of five are upright when young but become slightly pendent as they age. Slender cones (6-10” long) on 1-2” stalks droop as they mature to light brown. Gray bark fissures and turns dark brown with age.

Genus name comes from the Latin name for pines.

Specific epithet honors Nathaniel Wallich (1786-185- , Danish botanist and superintendent of the Calcutta Botanic Garden.

Care and Maintenance

Grow in moist, acidic, well-drained, sandy loams in full sun. Needles may brown in winter, particularly if tree is growing in an area exposed to winter winds. Best sited in a protected location, but avoid areas with dry soils.

Himalayan pine (Pinus wallichiana) Requirements

Hardiness zone	5 - 7
Sun light	Full sun
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

In its native habitat, healthy, well-maintained trees usually have few major problems. Most pines can be difficult to grow well in the St. Louis area in large part because of the soil and climate. Sphaeropsis (Diplodia) tip blight, canker and needle cast may occur. Watch for pine wilt nematode.

Uses

Excellent ornamental pine that is somewhat similar in appearance to eastern white pine (Pinus strobus). Parks and large residential properties.

Himalayan pine (Pinus wallichiana) Details

Common name	Himalayan pine
Botanical name	Pinus wallichiana
Plant type	Needled evergreen
Family	Pinaceae
Hardiness zone	5 - 7
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Non-flowering
Flowering period	Non-flowering
Height	30 - 50 ft.
Width	20 - 35 ft.