Southwestern Border Pine

Pinus strobiformis (Southwestern White Pine, Border Pine, Chihuahua White Pine) is a coniferous tree species native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is primarily found in the high elevation mountain ranges of the region, including the Sierra Madre Occidental and the Rocky Mountains.
Southwestern White Pine is a medium to large-sized tree that can reach heights of 50 to 100 feet with a spread of 20 to 40 feet. It has a straight trunk with branches that form a broad, open crown. The bark is gray-brown and develops shallow furrows as the tree matures.
The needles of Southwestern White Pine are evergreen and occur in bundles of five. They are long and slender, measuring around 2 to 4 inches in length, and have a bluish-green color. The tree produces small, ovoid cones that are typically 2 to 4 inches long. The cones have thick scales and contain winged seeds.
Southwestern White Pine is adapted to the harsh mountainous environments where it grows. It is well-suited to cold temperatures, high elevations, and rocky or sandy soils. It can withstand drought conditions and is often found in areas with a semi-arid climate.
The southwestern white pine can be grown as a Christmas tree, windbreak tree, or an ornamental tree. It is popular as a replacement in drier areas for the eastern white pine. It can be used in cabinet making, but it is poor as a lumber tree. The seeds were used as a food by Native Americans in the present day southwestern United States.