Yunnan Pine Data Sheet

• Common name: Yunnan pine

• Latin name: Pinus yunnanensis

• Genus: Pinus

• Height: 30 m (98 ft)

• Type: Evergreen

• Hardiness: Zone 7–8

• Conservation status: Least concern

Pinus Yunnanensis, commonly known as the Yunnan pine, is a conifer native to China. Its range extends across Sichuan, Guizhau and Yunnan.

This tree is generally found at low to medium altitudes, mostly from 550 m (1,800 ft) to 2,700 m (9,000 ft).

The Yunnan pine is a large conifer, growing to 30 m tall. The trunk diameter can exceed 1 m. The needles are long (1 ft) and set in pairs along the branch with a bright green colour. The needles have a drooping formation, rather than a bottle brush appearance. The bark is deeply cracked and grey in colour. The cones are green when young, maturing to a medium brown. Cone ripening takes up to 15 months. The cones are formed in bundles of 3 on the branch.

The Yunnan pine is closely related to the Chir pine and Himalayan pine, which all share many of its characteristics.

This is an important timber tree in China. Tree uses are wide ranging, including construction, poles and posts, paper, pallets and fuel. The bark secretes turpentine and tannin.

This species is a highly ornamental tree used in landscaping and bonsai.

Pre Germination

These seeds need no pretreatment or stratification before sowing. Fill trays or pots with quality compost and firm down gently. Spread seeds across the surface; around 25 in a 10 cm pot is ideal. Cover with 3 mm of compost and gently firm down.

Keep compost damp, not soaking wet or dried out. Place pots or trays on a warm windowsill or in a warm conservatory. Germination should occur at 1–3 weeks.

Post Germination

Once seedlings appear, keep them in a well-ventilated area to reduce the risk of damping off disease. Place in a bright location such as a windowsill. Ensure seedlings never dry out. Water logging should also be avoided; young trees hate wet feet. Yunnan pine seedlings are large, sturdy and will give you little hassle. They can be separated into their own 4" pots at 15–20 weeks; by this stage they are frost hardy and can stay outside all year. Fertilization is not required up to this point. During spring and summer we advise using an NPK 10-10-10 fertilizer every 4 weeks.

CAUTION: Slugs and snails love juicy young pines and spruce. Mice steal seeds and seedlings.

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