Introduction

Growing rapidly when young, Mondell pine reaches heights of 30 to 40 feet and is quite dense. This tree stands out among the pines due to the upright growth habit that stays with the tree throughout its life. The paired, medium green needles are five- to 6.5-inches long and joined by three-inch-long cones. The tree is most often grown in parts of Texas.

General Information

Scientific name: Pinus brutia var. eldarica

Pronunciation: PIE-nus broo-tee-uh variety ell-DAR-ick-uh

Common name(s): Mondell pine

Family: Pinaceae

USDA hardiness zones: 6A through 10B (Figure 2)

Origin: not native to North America

Invasive potential: not assessed/incomplete assessment

Uses: reclamation; specimen; highway median; bonsai

Description

Height: 30 to 40 feet

Spread: 25 to 30 feet

Crown uniformity: symmetrical

Crown shape: upright/erect, pyramidal

Crown density: moderate

Growth rate: moderate

Texture: fine

Foliage

Leaf arrangement: alternate

Leaf type: simple

Leaf margin: entire

Leaf shape: needle-like (filiform)

Leaf venation: parallel

Leaf type and persistence: fragrant, needled evergreen, evergreen

Leaf blade length: unknown

Leaf color: green

Fall color: no color change

Fall characteristic: not showy

Flower

Flower color: yellow

Flower characteristics: not showy

Fruit

Fruit shape: oval, cone

Fruit length: 1 to 3 inches

Fruit covering: dry or hard

Fruit color: brown

Fruit characteristics: attracts squirrels/mammals; not showy; fruit/leaves a litter problem

Trunk and Branches

Trunk/bark/branches: branches don't droop; not showy; typically one trunk; thorns

Pruning requirement: little required

Breakage: susceptible to breakage

Current year twig color: brown

Current year twig thickness: medium

Wood specific gravity: unknown

Culture

Light requirement: full sun

Soil tolerances: clay; sand; loam; alkaline; acidic; well-drained

Drought tolerance: high

Aerosol salt tolerance: unknown

Other

Roots: not a problem

Winter interest: no

Outstanding tree: no

Ozone sensitivity: unknown

Verticillium wilt susceptibility: resistant

Pest resistance: resistant to pests/diseases

Use and Management

The dense habit would make it well suited as a fine-textured screen. It is often used as a specimen, planted in groups or by itself in an open lawn area.

Mondell Pine should be grown in full sun on any well-drained soil and thrives in desert-like conditions. It also grows well in alkaline or clay soil.

Propagation is by seed.

Pests and Diseases

Pine tip moth can cause some damage to twigs.