Bristlecone Pine vs Japanese Black Pine

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.

Japanese Black Pine is known for its unique and irregular growth habit, making it a striking landscape addition. It typically does not grow with a central leader. This causes it to form a flat-top, classic bonsai-like shape when mature. When it has a central leader, it will grow with a twisted trunk. Another striking feature is the white apical buds which contrast with the surrounding green needles.

The Japanese Black Pine is an excellent candidate for a bonsai tree and is frequently used by the bonsai community. It is found along the Japanese coast and is salt tolerant.

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