Plant Description
Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. ssp. bolanderi (Parl.) Critchfield, commonly known as Bolander's beach pine or Bolander pine, is a subspecies of lodgepole pine. It belongs to the Pinaceae family and is native to the western coast of North America.
General Appearance
The Bolander pine can grow up to 30 meters in height, with an average lifespan of around 150-200 years. It has a narrow, conical shape and a slender trunk with a diameter of 0.3 to 1 meter. The bark is thin, scaly, and brownish-gray in color, with resin pores that produce a distinctive odor when crushed. The foliage consists of needle-like leaves that grow in clusters of two, with a length of 4-8 cm. The cones are small and oval in shape, measuring 3-6 cm in length, and have a grayish-brown color.
Common Names
Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. ssp. bolanderi is commonly known as Bolander's beach pine or Bolander pine. It is named after the American botanist, Henry Nicholas Bolander, who first collected specimens of the tree in the late 19th century.
Uses
The Bolander pine is primarily used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive appearance. The resin extracted from the tree can also be used in the production of turpentine and other chemical products. Historically, native tribes used the needles and bark for medicinal and ceremonial purposes.
Light Requirements
Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. ssp. bolanderi (Parl.) Critchfield, commonly known as Bolander's beach pine, thrives in a variety of light conditions. It prefers bright sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. However, it grows most rapidly and healthiest in full sunlight. Therefore, it's best to plant this species in areas that receive full sun exposure.
Temperature Requirements
Bolander's beach pine grows well in a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate moderate heat and drought and is therefore found primarily in coastal environments. During the winter, it can handle temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius. However, it grows best when temperatures range between 10 and 24 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
The Bolander's beach pine grows well in a variety of soil types. It prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. This species can tolerate soils that are low in fertility or slightly acidic. It is also tolerant of sandy soils, which makes it an ideal species for coastal areas. On the other hand, it does not do well in soils that are very heavy or compacted, as they can hinder root growth and limit nutrient uptake.
Cultivation
Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. ssp. bolanderi (Parl.) Critchfield is native to western North America and is commonly known as Bolander beach pine. It grows in well-drained soils in coastal regions and can withstand harsh winds.
When cultivating, it is essential to choose a location that is well-drained, and the soil is slightly acidic. The plant thrives in full sunlight and should, therefore, be positioned in an open area where it can access sunlight throughout the day.
Watering Needs
Bolander beach pine requires minimal watering once established. However, it would be best if you watered consistently during the first two years after planting to help the roots grow deeper into the soil. This plant is drought-tolerant, and therefore, too much watering can cause the roots to rot, leading to stunted growth and even death.
It is best to water this plant in the morning or evening, ensuring that the water reaches the roots. Do not water the foliage, as this can lead to fungal diseases or leaf scorching, especially during hot days.
Fertilization
Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. ssp. bolanderi (Parl.) Critchfield does not require a lot of fertilizer. However, adding some slow-release fertilizers during the growing season can provide extra nutrients for the plant to grow healthy and strong.
Choose a slow-release fertilizer with a high nitrogen content, which helps promote vegetative growth. Do not over-fertilize, as this can cause the roots to burn, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of the needles.
Pruning
Bolander beach pine requires minimal pruning. You should remove the lowest branches during the first three years of growth to help shape the plant.
Young plants can also benefit from being pinched at the top during their first year of growth to promote bushiness. Avoid pruning the plant after it has matured, as this can lead to the formation of multiple leaders, which can weaken the plant's structure and make it more susceptible to damage from strong winds.
Propagation of Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. ssp. bolanderi (Parl.) Critchfield
Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. ssp. bolanderi (Parl.) Critchfield, commonly known as Bolander's beach pine, can be propagated by several methods. The most common methods include seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
The seed propagation method involves collecting ripe cones from the parent tree. The cones should be collected during fall when they turn brown and before they start opening. The cones are then dried in a warm, dry place for several weeks until they open up fully, releasing the seeds. The seeds can then be collected and stored in a cool, dry place.
Before sowing the seeds, they should be stratified for a period of three to four weeks to break their natural dormancy. This can be done by placing the seeds in a moist, cool environment such as a refrigerator. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in a container filled with a well-draining soil medium like sand or perlite. The container should be kept moist and placed in an area with bright but indirect sunlight.
After about six weeks, the seedlings will emerge and can be transplanted to individual pots. The seedlings should be kept in a protected area with partial shade and regular watering. They can be transplanted to their permanent location after about a year.
Vegetative Propagation
Another method of propagating Bolander's beach pine is through vegetative propagation. This involves taking cuttings from the parent tree and rooting them. Cuttings should be taken during the dormant season from mature, healthy branches.
The cuttings should be about 6-8 inches long and should be taken from the previous season's growth. The cuttings should be stripped of their lower leaves and treated with a rooting hormone. They can then be inserted into a container with a well-draining soil medium like sand or perlite.
The container should be kept in a humid environment with bright but indirect sunlight. After about six to eight weeks, the cuttings should start rooting and can be transplanted to individual pots. The rooted cuttings should be kept in a protected area with partial shade and regular watering. They can be transplanted to their permanent location after about a year.
Disease Management
Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. ssp. bolanderi (Parl.) Critchfield, commonly known as Bolander's beach pine, is a relatively disease-resistant species. However, it is susceptible to certain diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant. Here are some common diseases that might affect the Bolander's beach pine and ways to manage them:
1. White Pine Blister Rust
White Pine Blister Rust is a fungal disease that affects many species of white pines, including Bolander's beach pine. The disease can cause cankers on the stems and branches of the plant, leading to dieback and death of the tree in severe cases. To manage the disease, it's important to remove and destroy any infected branches or trees, as the spores can spread quickly to healthy trees. Additionally, planting resistant varieties and maintaining tree health can help prevent the disease from spreading.
2. Pine Needle Rust
Pine Needle Rust is another fungal disease that affects many species of pines, including Bolander's beach pine. It causes yellowing and browning of needles and can lead to defoliation of the tree. To manage the disease, it's important to remove infected needles and destroy them, as the spores can spread to other needles and trees. Fungicide sprays may also be effective in preventing the disease from spreading.
Pest Management
Bolander's beach pine is also susceptible to certain pests that can cause damage to the plant. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
1. Pine Beetle
Pine beetles are a common pest that can cause significant damage to the Bolander's beach pine. They bore into the bark of the tree and can lead to girdling and death of the tree in severe cases. To manage pine beetles, it's important to remove any infested trees and burn them to prevent the beetles from spreading. Additionally, maintaining tree health and using insecticidal sprays can help prevent infestations.
2. Pine Needle Scale
Pine needle scale is a small insect that feeds on the needles of the Bolander's beach pine, causing yellowing and browning of the needles. To manage pine needle scale, it's important to maintain tree health and use insecticidal sprays when necessary. Additionally, pruning and destroying heavily infested branches can help prevent the scale from spreading to other parts of the tree.
