Bristlecone Pine vs Jack Pine - TreeTime.ca

Bristlecone Pine vs Jack Pine

Pinus banksiana

Pinus aristata

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Jack Pine
Bristlecone Pine

Jack Pine is a cold tolerant native species that can survive on dry, sandy or gravelly sites.

Similar to Scots Pine, though somewhat larger, Jack Pine is known for its yellow-green needles, spreading crown, and irregular form. If you have a tough site to plant, this tree may be right for you.

Bristlecone Pine is a small to medium evergreen with an irregular habit and contorted branches.

This extremely long-lived tree is relatively low maintenance and drought-tolerant.

It is known for its deep green to blue-green needles flecked with white resin, and its thin, scaly, grey-brown bark. Because it is extremely slow-growing, Bristlecone Pine is well suited to smaller properties.

Jack Pine Quick Facts

Bristlecone Pine Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 2a
Height: 20 m (66 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: extremely slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: none


Cones: purple ripening to yellow
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no

In row spacing: 3 - 4 m (10 - 12 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NT, PE
Other Names: colorado bristlecone pine, foxtail pine, hickory pine, rocky mountain bristlecone pine