The Bristlecone Pine (Pinus Aristata) is an extremely hardy and long-living pine tree native from mountainous and arid areas in America (Utah, Nevada, California). The germination and reproduction process is not easy, so their seeds are highly appreciated. Apparently, the propagation is done very well through seeds, as seeds will sprout pretty easily. In Methuselah Grove in the USA we can find the Methuselah bristlecone pine tree, which is the oldest tree in the world – around 4800 years.
They are evergreen trees that, unlike most other pine trees, keep their needles for up to 40 years. They go dormant during very dry seasons, until the conditions change to more favorable ones.
They are very hardy and extremely slow growing, sometimes staying for years in a row at the same height and shape.
Their young cones are blue in color and have long bristles on them. These cones mature in 2 years and take a dark-brown color. It is only on old age when the tree produce seeds.
They have small berry-like flowers that come in clusters just below the new growth.
Being such a slow growing tree, pruning is really a rare task. Actually, the best pruning for a Bristlecone Pine bonsai is done by only removing the needles that are weak or diseased. Definitely do not remove the ones that are younger than 3 years of age.
The bristlecone is a sub-alpine plant but it can be grown from seeds at lower elevations as well. Since it is not only resistant, but actually likes arid areas, the bonsai loves to be placed in full sun. They are very cold-resistant as well, and can take up freezing temperatures. Apparently this harsh conditions are the ones that contribute to their extreme longevity.
Bristlecone Pine bonsai are not very tolerant to moist soils, so do not over-water, because their roots tend to rot easily.
They actually like a well-drained saline soil, that should be dry and rocky. In their natural habitat, many of them grow in a bed of dolomitic soil, and they have almost no rainfall at all. The propagation process is done through seeds or root cutting.