Pinus bungeana is an excellent tree because of its dark needles and exfoliating bark. With age, the flaking bark creates a beautiful patchwork of colors ranging from white, red-brown, gray to green. Lacebark Pine is the perfect specimen tree for the small garden.

-evergreen tree, to 75' tall in its native China, but only 35' tall under Ohio conditions

-in early stages, plants are somewhat pyramidal, but gradually become rounded and finally broad-spreading.

-upright mound, spreading with age

-slow growth rate

-3 needles per fascicle (bundle)

-rigid, serrate, dark green

-2-4" long

-needles persist 3-4 yrs.; this makes the tree particularly dense

-wide spaced fascicles give tree an open appearance

-important ornamental feature

-bark is lightly exfoliating (peeling), showing multi-colored areas or green, gray and reddish tones

-reminiscent of Sycamore in pattern if not in color

Culture

-full sun

-requires well-drained soils and will tolerate slightly alkaline conditions

-should not be exposed to extremes of soils or climatic conditions (that is, not particularly urban tolerant)

-generally free of pests and diseases

-propagated by seeds

Hardiness

-zones 4-8

Origin

-native to China

Assets

-spectacular exfoliating bark in older stems that become more vibrant if exposed to sun

-attractive multi-stemmed forms are available

Liabilities

-slow growth may limit its application

-multi-stemmed forms may split apart under heavy snow

Function

-the plant makes a good specimen, particularly where the bark can be seen

-can also be used on corners of large buildings

-good for medium-small areas because of its rather slow growth rate

-used best as limbed up specimen plant, particularly when the plant produces multiple branches close to the ground

Texture

-medium texture

-thick density

Varieties and Cultivars - Search OSU PlantFacts for additional plants in this species

Alternates

-other Pines with ornamental bark (e.g., Pinus densiflora, Pinus nigra)