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Southwestern White Pine

Pinus brachyptera

Last reviewed: October 2026

Southwestern White Pine (Pinus brachyptera)
Photo: (c) M. Socorro González Elizondo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

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

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Arizona/New Mexico MountainsMadrean Archipelago

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.

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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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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