Pinus longaeva
Bristlecone pine, Bristlecone Pine
(c) Roberto Daniel Avila, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Roberto Daniel Avila · licence
Family: Pinaceae · Type: Tree · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Pinus longaeva (Bristlecone pine) is a native California tree in the Pinaceae family, recognized by Limited to White Mountains area, distinctive bristled cones and resin-spotted needles.
Bristlecone pine is a California native shrub found in western Inyo and northern Desert Mountains in subalpine forest at elevations of 2,200 to 3,700 meters. With a distinctive growth habit, this species produces multiple twisted trunks less than 16 meters tall, featuring a bushy, irregular crown with red-brown bark. Growing with five needles per bundle, typically 1 to 4 centimeters long and often marked with white resin spots, the tree develops dark red-brown seed cones 5 to 14 centimeters long with small stiff prickles at the scale tips. Its mature form is characterized by strong tapering and complex, gnarled branching that allows it to survive in harsh high-elevation environments. The pollen cones of this remarkable tree mature to a deep red color, contributing to its unique visual character.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Limited to White Mountains area, distinctive bristled cones and resin-spotted needles
Habitat and range
Habitat: Subalpine forest
Elevation: 2200-3700 m
California counties: Inyo, Mono
Outside California: to eastern Utah
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
How to tell it apart
vs Pseudotsuga: Pine needles come bundled in groups with papery sheaths; Douglas-fir needles attach individually to smooth twigs.; vs Abies: Pine needles come bundled in groups of 2-5; fir needles attach individually and directly to twigs.; vs Sequoia: Pine has bundled needles in groups of 2-5; redwood has individual scale-like or awl-shaped leaves on flat sprays.; vs Casuarina: Pine has true needles bundled in groups; Casuarina has jointed branchlets with whorls of tiny scale leaves.; vs Cedrus: Pine needles are bundled in tight clusters of 2-5; cedar needles grow in dense rosette-like clusters on short shoots.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pinus longaeva native to California?
Yes. Pinus longaeva is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Pinus longaeva grow?
Pinus longaeva occurs in Inyo, Mono, at elevations of 2200-3700 m.
What plant family does Pinus longaeva belong to?
Pinus longaeva is in the Pinaceae family, genus Pinus.
Is Pinus longaeva rare or endangered?
Pinus longaeva carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S3S4.
What habitat does Pinus longaeva grow in?
Pinus longaeva grows in Subalpine forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.