Great Basin Bristlecone Pine
Pinus longaeva
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
780"–3120" H × 240"–1200" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
CA, NV, UT
Browse plants for this ecoregion
The Great Basin bristlecone pine is an extremely slow-growing, long-lived evergreen tree that can eventually reach massive proportions over centuries. In cultivation, it typically remains much smaller but still requires decades to develop significant size. This ancient species has distinctive needle clusters and deeply furrowed bark.
In an HOA neighborhood
Great Basin Bristlecone Pine takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely slow growth makes it impractical for most residential timelines
- Can eventually become massive and overwhelm typical lot sizes
- May appear sparse or unusual to HOA boards expecting conventional landscaping
Wildlife value
Provides shelter and nesting sites for birds, though it offers limited nectar or pollen resources. The seeds may occasionally feed small wildlife, but this tree is not a major pollinator or wildlife magnet.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Great Basin Bristlecone Pine fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.