Chinese White Pine Data Sheet

• Common name: Chinese white pine

• Latin name: Pinus Armandii

• Genus: Pinus

• Height: 35 m (115 ft)

• Type: Evergreen

• Hardiness: Zone 6–8

• Conservation status: Least concern

Pinus Armandii is commonly known as the Chinese white pine, is a conifer native to China. Its range extends across Gansu, Yunnan, Burma and Taiwan.

This tree is generally found at medium to high altitudes, mostly from 1,000 m (3,300 ft) to 3,300 m (10,800 ft).

The Chinese white pine is a medium sized tree reaching a height of 35 m (115 ft) tall. The bark is dark brown which becomes more grey with age. Large cracks appear in the bark with maturity. The cones are conical, reaching a length of 15 cm. The cones start out green and turn brown when ripe. The scales are large, each hiding a pine nut seed. The needles are arranged in clumps of five and are light green, reaching a length of 20 cm.

The Chinese white pine is closely related to the Yunnan pine, which all share many of its characteristics. There are 3 variations of this species, Pinus armandii var. Mastersiana, Pinus armandii var. armandii and Pinus armandii var. Dabeshanensis.

Chinese white pine trees are commercially grown for their pine nuts. The seeds are responsible for a condition in humans called, pine mouth. This severely impairs the taste buds and creating a strong metallic taste in the mouth that can last for weeks. The wood is used commercially for timber production.

It is also a popular choice as an ornamental landscape tree and bonsai enthusiasts.

Growth Habit

Shoot growth usually starts in February and continues until September. Yearly height increases of 10–30 cm are common in season 2 under the right conditions.

These were sown this year and are now prepping for their winter slumber. Plants are 2 - 3" tall.

Saplings are in pots. I recommend that they are separated into individual pots upon receipt.

Fully hardy off to minus 21°C or colder come autumn

Care Instructions

Keep free from competing weeds and never allow to completely dry out, water logging should also be avoided. Trees will perform best raised outdoors in full sunny position. The growth rate is medium and will soon need re-potting to beyond a 10" pot. Once the trees reach around 1 ft high they can be set in their final planting position.

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