Bristlecone pine is a slow-growing evergreen tree with an irregular and picturesque form, growing to about 20 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide, maybe only growing 4 to 6 inches per year once established. Its stiff, dark green needles are flecked with white sap that look like little crystals. Pine cones are a dark purplish brown, about 3 to 4 inches long, with eah cone scaling having a thorn-like tip, hence the common name.
Grow in full sun in well-drained soil. Adaptive to a range of soils, as long as they are well-draining; found in dry, rocky soils. pH adaptive. Though native to higher elevations up to the tree line, it is actually quite heat tolerant and does well in the valley, as long as the soil is well-drained. Cold hardy to USDA Zone 4. A Utah native.