by MaryAnn Fink
Conservation Specialist
copyright 2010
Vanderwolf' Pine, sometimes called Limber pine is a choice selection of a U.S. native pine found primarily at high elevations. Despite his thin air preference, he seems to be fairly adaptable to our heavier, more humid conditions and tolerant of the rocky and lean soils sometimes found in Missouri.
Although this pine could easily reach a mature size of 25-60’ in his natural conditions, he is more likely to feel the stress of our different climate and weather shifts and respond by growing more slowly and perhaps mature at 18-25’ height with half as much width.
Introduced in 1972, he is still not widely planted in Missouri. This makes it difficult to estimate any long range predictions for his cultivated life span in St. Louis, but it is safe to say it is probably much shorter than in his natural conditions. Some estimates are as much as 15 years plus or longer.
When well sited he is reported to be healthy and a very positive contributor to the landscape. He has a soft blue-green appearance at a distance but as you approach him, his beautiful two-tone needles cluster becomes apparent. This gives him the unique ability to be the transitional player between the solid blue tones of a blue spruce or the softening anchor for the emerald greens of Juniper ‘Sea Green’ or ‘Keteleeri’. For color play consider using him as the blender between several different shades of greens and blues!
P. ‘Vanderwolf’ could be the "Ambassador for Diversity" in the landscape for a new and interesting way to create an informal screen. He has a fairly straight posture but rather asymmetrical to the ground branching. This creates a naturally relaxed pose / loose screening that gives some privacy while still allowing light and air flow.
Vanderwolf' Pine will grow best in full sun and average soil. He does require good drainage and even moisture year round. (Yes –this means you will need to water on mild days during the winter) He is not tolerant of consistently or even occasionally soggy soil!
To view him growing locally, visit Missouri Botanical Garden. Also there are some nice examples at Powell Gardens in the Kansas City region, a particularly healthy one is growing near one of their trolley stops. I was so impressed with his tolerance for the nearly constant drying winds they have year round. (better than me-it can be cooling but also exhausting to be so wind whipped!) He appears to be happy there, adapting and growing well with beautiful healthy needles!
Care Factor Rating: 2 He does want to form a stabilizing taproot even at a young age so transplanting him when he is young is preferred. Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Although watering can be reduced after establishment, he will still need water during the winter and during seasonal dry periods. No pruning is recommended!
Vanderwolf' Pine, sometimes called Limber pine is a choice selection of a U.S. native pine found primarily at high elevations. Despite his thin air preference, he seems to be fairly adaptable to our heavier, more humid conditions and tolerant of the rocky and lean soils sometimes found in Missouri.
Although this pine could easily reach a mature size of 25-60’ in his natural conditions, he is more likely to feel the stress of our different climate and weather shifts and respond by growing more slowly and perhaps mature at 18-25’ height with half as much width.
Introduced in 1972, he is still not widely planted in Missouri. This makes it difficult to estimate any long range predictions for his cultivated life span in St. Louis, but it is safe to say it is probably much shorter than in his natural conditions. Some estimates are as much as 15 years plus or longer.
When well sited he is reported to be healthy and a very positive contributor to the landscape. He has a soft blue-green appearance at a distance but as you approach him, his beautiful two-tone needles cluster becomes apparent. This gives him the unique ability to be the transitional player between the solid blue tones of a blue spruce or the softening anchor for the emerald greens of Juniper ‘Sea Green’ or ‘Keteleeri’. For color play consider using him as the blender between several different shades of greens and blues!
P. ‘Vanderwolf’ could be the "Ambassador for Diversity" in the landscape for a new and interesting way to create an informal screen. He has a fairly straight posture but rather asymmetrical to the ground branching. This creates a naturally relaxed pose / loose screening that gives some privacy while still allowing light and air flow.
Vanderwolf' Pine will grow best in full sun and average soil. He does require good drainage and even moisture year round. (Yes –this means you will need to water on mild days during the winter) He is not tolerant of consistently or even occasionally soggy soil!
To view him growing locally, visit Missouri Botanical Garden. Also there are some nice examples at Powell Gardens in the Kansas City region, a particularly healthy one is growing near one of their trolley stops. I was so impressed with his tolerance for the nearly constant drying winds they have year round. (better than me-it can be cooling but also exhausting to be so wind whipped!) He appears to be happy there, adapting and growing well with beautiful healthy needles!
Care Factor Rating: 2 He does want to form a stabilizing taproot even at a young age so transplanting him when he is young is preferred. Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Although watering can be reduced after establishment, he will still need water during the winter and during seasonal dry periods. No pruning is recommended!
photo curtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden PlantFinder
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