Plant, Tree & Shrub Library

Other Names:  Pinus flexilis 'Northern Blue'

Description:

A loose and delicate evergreen tree, well named because the unique branches are extremely flexible, with long, soft needles; surprisingly adaptable and durable, makes a great windbreak

Ornamental Features

Limber Northern Blue is primarily valued in the landscape for its ornamental globe-shaped form. It has attractive bluish-green evergreen foliage. The needles are highly ornamental and remain bluish-green throughout the winter. The shaggy gray bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Limber Northern Blue is a dense evergreen tree with a strong central leader and a more or less rounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Limber Northern Blue is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade
• Windbreaks and Shelterbelts

Planting & Growing

Limber Northern Blue will grow to be about 50 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 30 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live to a ripe old age of 100 years or more; think of this as a heritage tree for future generations!

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is native to parts of North America.