code: 5065
A very compact, dwarf, shrubby and rounded pine with long, dark green needles. A slow growing evergreen that is great for limited space.
Hardy to -30°F
Maximum Elevation: 7,000 ft.
Culture
Grow in deep, moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates some drought once established. Also tolerates clay soils. Generally tolerant of urban conditions.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Pinus nigra, commonly called Austrian pine or European black pine, is a medium to large conifer that is native from central and southeastern Europe to western Asia. It grows 40-60’ tall over time (less frequently to 100’). Trees exhibit a dense pyramidal habit in youth. Crown rounds with age forming a spreading flat top or dome. From an ornamental standpoint, older trees can be quite attractive, featuring dense spreading branching, stiff dark green needles (3-6” long) in bundles of two and plate-like, furrowed, dark brown to black bark. Oval, stalkless cones (to 3” long) mature to brown.
Genus name comes from the Latin name for pines.
Specific epithet means black.
‘Hornibrookiana’ is a dwarf selection that grows in a compact spreading mound to 2’ tall and 4-6’ wide over the first 30 years. It features generally horizontal branching with upright branchlets and stiff dark green needles (to 2-3” long) in bundles of two. It was discovered in 1932 as a witches broom on an Austrian pine in Seneca Park in Rochester, New York.
Problems
Notwithstanding the attributes of Austrian pine, its susceptibility to Sphaeropsis (Diplodia) tip blight, particularly in the Midwest, is of such significance that planting it in the St. Louis area is not now recommended. Also susceptible to Dothistroma needle blight. Pine moth and pine wilt nematode may appear.
Garden Uses
Landscape specimen. Foundations. Mass in shrub border. Susceptibility to diseases and insects limits its use in some parts of the U.S. including the St. Louis area.
Information:
Mature Size (generic) : SHRUB (4-6′)
USDA Hardiness Zone : 4, 5, 6, 7
Water Needs : Moderate
Light Needs : Full Sun
Growth Rate : Slow
Mature Height : 4 -10 ft. (Grows 6 inches per year)
Mature Width : 4 -10 ft. (Grows 6 inches per year)
Name :‘Hornibrookiana’ Dwarf Austrian Pine
