Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Pinus albicaulis (known commonly as Whitebark pine, Pitch pine, Scrub pine, and Creeping pine) occurs in the mountains of the Western United States and Canada, specifically the subalpine areas of the Sierra Nevada, the Cascade Range, the Pacific Coast Ranges, and the northern Rocky Mountains (including the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem). The Whitebark Pine is typically the highest-elevation pine tree of these mountains, marking the tree line. Thus, it is often found as krummholz, trees dwarfed by exposure and growing close to the ground. In more favourable conditions, trees may grow to 20 meter in height, although some can reach up to 27 meter. It shares the common name Creeping pine with several other plants.

Plant type

Tree

Size

15 - 85 ft Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Slow

Calscape icon
Color

Yellow

Flowering season

Summer

Special uses

Containers

Sun

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Soil description

Prefers sandy or loamy soils. Does not grow well in clay soils.

Propagation

For propagating by seed: 3-4 mos. stratification (USDA Forest Service 1974).

Sunset Zones

1*, 2*, 3*, 6, 7, 15, 16, 17

Plant communities

Subalpine Forest

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 68 likely

Confirmed Likely

Common Gray

Anavitrinella pampinaria

Polyphemus moth

Antheraea polyphemus

Argyrotaenia dorsalana

Western Pine Elfin

Callophrys eryphon