Arolla Pine, Swiss Stone Pine (Pinus cembra)
The Arolla Pine is a medium-sized tree which acquires an irregular and sometimes bizarre form with age. The seeds or nuts are edible. The soft, blue-green needles are borne in fives. The tree has died out in many areas on account of its valuable timber.
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Appearance
The Arolla Pine is a medium-sized tree which acquires an irregular and sometimes bizarre form with age. The seeds or nuts are edible. The soft, blue-green needles are borne in fives. The tree has died out in many areas on account of its valuable timber.
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Flowers
Flowering period IV-VI, yellow female flowers, reddish male flowers. Male flowers like catkins, female flowers resemble cones.
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Fruits
Terminal ovate cones protruding horizontally, up to 8cm long. Violet when young, turning brown. Edible (cedar nut). Cones only appear after approx. 60-80 years.
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Bark
Bark fissured lengthwise, brown.
Application
Open country, wind-break, bird protection, public areas, parks, private parks, gardens, winter gardens
Native regions
Central and northern Europe, Southern Europe, Southeastern Europe, Middle East, Asia Minor, Northern Asia, Siberia
Location parameters
Light: full sun to slightly sunny, temperature: normal to cold, soil: dry to moist, soil structure: loose to airy, soil depth: deep to very deep, soil quality: medium, pH value: 4.5 to 8.0
Demands
Sun, intolerant of shade, denuded if obstructed; tolerates warmth but not heat, prefers cold, humid locations, very frost-hardy; moderately dry to fresh; grows in all well-drained substrates; tolerates urban climates, wind-resistant
Growth
Height of growth: 20m to 25m, spread: 2m, growth habits: narrow, dense, irregular, upright, erect, central leader
Leaves
Bluish-green stiff needles, 5-12cm long, 0.1-0.2cm wide. Arranged in groups of 5. Bluish-white below.
Flowers
Flowering period IV-VI, yellow female flowers, reddish male flowers. Male flowers like catkins, female flowers resemble cones.
Fruits
Terminal ovate cones protruding horizontally, up to 8cm long. Violet when young, turning brown. Edible (cedar nut). Cones only appear after approx. 60-80 years.
Bark
Bark fissured lengthwise, brown.
Roots
Deep-rooting, fine root system, expansive root system