Tree Picea pungens f. glauca 'Iseli Foxtail' [Iseli Foxtail Colorado Blue Spruce] 'Iseli Foxtail' is dense, upright, and columnar to pyramidal with new branches that resemble bushy fox tails. One of the most striking of the conifers in color and habit. Some drought tolerance. Cost of most glaucous forms is high because they are produced by grafting and then intensively pruned to shape in nursery rows. Must be used with restraint because the strong blue color does not combine well with other plantings in the landscape. Some…
Shrub/Tree Picea pungens f. glauca 'Montgomery' [Montgomery Colorado Blue Spruce] 'Montgomery' is a dwarf cultivar that forms a dense, silvery-blue, broad cone to mound. Some drought tolerance. Cost of most glaucous forms is high because they are produced by grafting and then intensively pruned to shape in nursery rows. Must be used with restraint because the strong blue color does not combine well with other plantings in the landscape. Some susceptibility to Cooley Spruce Gall Adelgid (Adelges cooleyi).
Shrub/Tree Pinus densiflora 'Umbraculifera' [Dwarf Japanese Red Pine] This species is outstanding for its landscape interest, making a uniquely picturesque specimen. 'Umbraculifera' is an interesting dwarf cultivar, with a spreading, umbrella-like head and can be grown as a shrub or small tree. The flaky, orange-red bark of this plant is quite attractive.
Tree Pinus flexilis 'Vanderwolf’s Pyramid' [Vanderwolf's Pyramid Limber Pine] 'Vanderwolf's Pyramid' is a vigorous grower with a strongly upright form and is common in the nursery trade. Large taproot makes it difficult to transplant once established. Generally low maintenance with few problems, but is susceptible to White Pine Blister Rust. Decaying needles acidify soil beneath (to about pH 4.5), which suppresses growth of other plant species.
Shrub Pinus mugo var. pumilio [Dwarf Mountain Pine] The Pinus mugo var. pumilio dwarf shrub is found in the wild in the mountains of eastern and central Europe. The shrub can spread up to 10' wide but typically stays short in height, 3'-5' at maturity. Avoid planting in poorly-drained wet soils.
Tree Pinus resinosa [Red Pine] Forms a decent screen when young, especially on poor, dry soils, but soon drops lowers limbs necessitating the need of companion plants to complete the screen. Develops a shorter, thicker trunk when grown in the open. Pine bud moth (as well as other moths) can be problem if not controlled. Foliage presentation not always full or clearly esthetic. Best in groves or plantations where bark color can be admired.
Tree Pinus rigida [Pitch Pine] Pinus rigida is native to the poor, sandy upland soils of eastern North America. The falling needles, cones, branches, and sap can be problematic. This plant is not generally recommended for use in the landscape, except on very poor soils. Best grown in a solitary location, where it won't be forced to compete with nearby plants.
Tree Indiana Native Pinus strobus [Eastern White Pine] More graceful than most pines, both as a young and an old specimen. Excellent neutral screening plant, it can be kept full by occasional pruning. Among best pines for resistance to moth borers. Transplants easily with a bit of shade tolerance. Somewhat less adapted to severe exposures and very dry soils than Pinus resinosa or Pinus nigra. Very sensitive to air pollution and road salt. Susceptible to White Pine Blister Rust. Decaying needles acidify soil…
Tree Pinus strobus 'Contorta' [Contorted Eastern White Pine] 'Contorta' has a loose, irregular, upright form and twisted needles, branchlets, and branches. The Eastern White Pine is among the best pines for resistance to moth borers. Transplants easily with a bit of shade tolerance. Somewhat less adapted to severe exposures and very dry soils than Pinus resinosa or Pinus nigra. Very sensitive to air pollution and road salt. Susceptible to White Pine Blister Rust. Decaying needles acidify soil beneath (to about pH 4.5), which…
