Pinus sabiniana hardiness?

11 years ago

How cold hardy is this species? Are there specific stands within its native habitat that experience colder temperatures/longer winters than elsewhere in its range?

I bought a P. sabiniana cone in January '08 (cheaper than traveling to CA to collect my own):
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The cone had a couple seeds still in it, and I was able to get one to germinate. The seedling has suvived outdoors above ground in a pot for the past 4 winters without any winter damage. I know it has seen at least -6F (-21C). The pot has mulch mounded over it along with the other potted seedlings in my "tree nursery". The seedling has been slow growing; it is about 14 inches tall (35.5cm) and just started producing adult foliage this past summer. Sorry, I don't have pictures of the seedling currently.

I found a similar thread from a year or so ago started by Clement. Shastensis and Pinyonhead chimed in on info of stands in CA that have withstood temps as low as -20F (-29C) which happens to be the record low for my area as well. Shastensis, if you're still able to collect seeds from stands that experience below zero temperatures, I would love to buy/trade for some. Please e-mail me or post back in this thread!

I know this tree will have difficulty with my area's summer humidity, but was curious as to its cold toleerance. Thanks all for the input! So far I have not seen any evidence of damage from humidity/fungus on the seedling.

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Comments (7)

nikkie_in_toronto
11 years ago
there is a beautiful specimen growing at the Cleveland, Ohio zoo. It came thru -10F in 2009.
scpalmnut
11 years ago
I can attest to one mature specimen in Reno, Nevada surviving the mid minus teens in the early 90's.
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scotjute Z8
11 years ago
If you are leaving the grey ghost outside in a pot, it would stand a better chance of surviving the cold if planted in the ground. It should be in a very well-drained location. You do know the seeds are edible. Probably tastier than Pinyon. Good luck and report back on it.
treeguy_ny USDA z6a WNY
Original Author
11 years ago
Knowing one is growing (well) at the Cleveland, OH zoo gives me hope. They have a very similar climate to my own! I will plant this guy in a well drained area of the property this summer and see how it does. I like the open, whispy look of the mature trees. Not to mention the killer softball size cones!
treeguy_ny USDA z6a WNY
Original Author
11 years ago
scotjute - I know winter hardiness/survival would be improved by planting in the ground. I just haven't had the chance yet with other projects taking precedence over the summer months. The fact that it has survived below 0F (I will indeed plant it in a very well drained location. I'm also aware the seeds are edible - it will be interesting to see how the tree develops and whether or not it produces cones with much viable seed. I will update with pictures this summer!
Smivies (Ontario - 5b)
11 years ago
A photo is always welcome....found this one of Pinus sabiniana at the Cleveland Zoo.

Here is a link that might be useful: ENTSTrees Forum
treeguy_ny USDA z6a WNY
Original Author
11 years ago
Smivies - that tree looks pretty healthy! I hope mine is as nice after the nex 15-2 years!