Southwestern White Pine
Pinus brachyptera
Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown
Southwestern White Pine (Pinus brachyptera) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
360"–720" H × 240"–480" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
AZ, CA, NM, NV and 1 more states
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Southwestern white pine is a large, stately evergreen tree that can reach 30-60 feet tall with a broad, pyramidal crown. It produces attractive clusters of needles and develops an impressive presence as a specimen tree. This pine requires minimal water once established and thrives in sunny, dry conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
Southwestern White 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 large mature size unsuitable for most residential lots
- Takes many years to develop attractive form
- May drop needles and cones requiring cleanup
Wildlife value
This pine provides important habitat and nesting sites for birds, while its seeds feed various wildlife including squirrels and birds.
Common questions
- How much sun does Southwestern White Pine need?
- Southwestern White Pine grows best in full sun conditions.
- Where is Southwestern White Pine native?
- Southwestern White Pine (Pinus brachyptera) is native to AZ, CA, NM, NV and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Southwestern White Pine HOA-friendly?
- Southwestern White Pine takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
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