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Pinus pinea, Italian Stone Pine

Umbrella Pine forms an unusual round top unlike most others. It is mostly planted in the dry climates of the western half of the US. It has been tried as a street tree in California where it has done well. This makes it a candidate for trying in urban situations across the country. Trees grow well in any slightly alkaline to acid soil. Umbrella Pine should be grown in full sun on well-drained soil. Winter winds and low temperature in USDA hardiness zone 7A cause needles to brown and they remain unsightly all winter. Needles in fascicles of 2. If trees must be pruned in the western US, do it October through January to help avoid infestation from pitch moths.

This is one a small group of pines that develop large,stems or large branches on the lower portion of the tree. This is normal and can be encouraged as long as none of them develop included bark.

Like many pines horizontal branches break easily in ice and wind storms. Something always seems to be falling from this pine tree; needles, sap, branches, and fruit appear on nearby cars, roofs and sidewalks year round. Unless grown in the open with no other trees nearby, shaded lower branches die as the tree grows taller. Open-grown trees keep more lower branches, probably due to greater sun exposure. It is important to maintain only one leader to the top of the plant. Pines are among those susceptible to summer branch drop according to surveys in California. Summer branch drop is a phenomena resulting in failure and breakage of large diameter, live branches typically on calm summer days.

Dropping needles often discourage people from planting pines near streets, parking lots, or near other pavement. Roots also enjoy growing just under the surface of the asphalt and cracking it. Probably the most serious problem of Pines in areas with high pH irrigation water is pine chlorosis. The root system is often dominated by a few large diameter roots.


Italian Stone Pine

Italian Stone Pine

Italian Stone Pine

Italian Stone Pine Needles

Italian Stone Pine Bark

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