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Pinus eldarica: Mondell Pine1

Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson 2

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.

Figure 1. Young Pinus eldarica: Mondell Pine
Figure 1.  Young Pinus eldarica: Mondell Pine
Credit: Ed Gilman

General Information

Scientific name: Pinus eldarica
Pronunciation: PIE-nus ell-DAR-ick-uh
Common name(s): Mondell Pine
Family: Pinaceae
USDA hardiness zones: 6A through 8B (Fig. 2)
Origin: not native to North America
Uses: reclamation; specimen; highway median; Bonsai
Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the tree

Figure 2. Range
Figure 2.  Range

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 (Fig. 3)
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.

Footnotes

1. This document is ENH-621, one of a series of the Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date November 1993. Revised December 2006. Reviewed February 2014. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
2. Edward F. Gilman, professor, Environmental Horticulture Department; Dennis G. Watson, former associate professor, Agricultural Engineering Department, UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

Publication #ENH-621

Release Date:March 3rd, 2015

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Part of Southern Trees Fact Sheets

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    • Michael Andreu