The Bristlecone pine tree is native to the western United States and grows primarily at timberline. It is one of the world’s oldest living organisms with the oldest known living example being dated at 4,789 years of age.
These ancient trees have a fittingly gnarled and stunted appearance, especially those found at high altitudes and have reddish-brown bark with deep fissures. The green pine needles give the twisted branches a bottle-brush appearance. The name bristlecone pine refers to the dark purple female cones that bear incurved prickles on their surface. They grow slow but live a long time.
Height: up to 100’ high