Culture

Grow in moist, well-drained loams in full sun. Tolerant of a wide range of soils, including both sandy and clay soils. Avoid poorly-drained wet soils. Prefers cool summer climates. It generally dislikes the heat and humidity of the deep South.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Pinus heldreichii, commonly called Bosnian pine, is native to dry limestone soils in mountain areas of the Balkans, Italy and Greece. In its native habitat, it grows to 60-90' tall, but in cultivation, it typically grows to 30-40' tall. When young, this tree typically grows in a conical form. Glossy dark green needles (to 3 1/2" long) in pairs form dense foliage on ascending branches. Cones (2-3" long) are bluish-purple, but mature to brown. Mature bark is ash gray. Species name honors Greek botanist Theodor von Heldreich (1822-1902). Pinus leucodermis is now considered to be synonymous with this species.

Genus name comes from the Latin name for pines.

Specific epithet honors German botanist Theodor H. H. von Heldreich (1822-1902). He discovered some 700 Greek species new to science.