Family: Pinaceae
Author: Balf.
Bibliography: A.Murray, Bot. Exped. Oregon 8: 1 (1853)
Year: 1853
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Pinus
Vegetable: False
Observations: California (Klamath Mts., S. Sierra Nevada)
Description
The Foxtail pine, known scientifically as Pinus balfouriana, is a remarkable coniferous tree native to California, flourishing specifically in the challenging terrains of the Klamath Mountains and the Southern Sierra Nevada. This unique species belongs to the Pinaceae family, distinguished for its resilience and adaptability in some of the most rugged and unforgiving environments.
Named and described by the botanist A. Murray in his 1853 work “Bot. Exped. Oregon,” this species is an epitome of botanical endurance. The Foxtail pine’s appearance is quite striking with its distinct, bushy, fox-tail-like groupings of needle leaves, which are bundled in clusters, giving the tree its common name. These needle clusters typically persist for approximately 10 to 15 years, contributing to the tree’s dense foliage and aiding its survival in harsh climates.
The longevity and robustness of the Foxtail pine are key characteristics that have intrigued botanists and nature enthusiasts alike. It can survive and thrive at high altitudes, enduring cold temperatures, strong winds, and rocky soil conditions that would be detrimental to other species. This adaptability is due to its deep root system and the thick bark that protects it from extreme weather and potential fire damage.
Foxtail pines also play a significant ecological role in their native habitats. They provide essential shelter and food for a variety of wildlife species. The cones of the Foxtail pine are relatively small but packed with seeds, which are a crucial food source for birds and small mammals in the mountainous regions where these trees grow.
Overall, the Foxtail pine is not just a symbol of botanical beauty and resilience but also a vital component of the high-altitude ecosystems in the Californian mountains. Its ability to withstand and flourish under severe environmental pressures makes it a fascinating subject of study within the Pinaceae family.
Common Names
Eng: balfour’s pine, foxtail pine, foxtailed pine
Deu: balfours kiefer, fuchsschwanz-kiefer
Ita: pino di balfour
Hun: rókafarkfenyo
Fra: pin de balfour, pin à queue de renard
En: Foxtail pine, Balfour’s pine, Foxtailed pine
Fr: Pin de Balfour, Pin à queue de renard
De: Balfours Kiefer, Fuchsschwanz-Kiefer
Hu: Rókafarkfenyo
It: Pino di Balfour
Synonyms
- Pinus balfouriana subsp. austrina (R.J.Mastrog. & J.D.Mastrog.)
- Pinus balfouriana var. austrina ((R.J.Mastrog. & J.D.Mastrog.) Silba)
Distribution
- California (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Aug 3, 2014 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 3, 2014 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Dec 1, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 24, 1999 by EOL − Charles Thoreau Townsend (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 16, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Trinity_Alps_Wilderness_with_Pinus_balfouriana.jpg: Tom Hilton. derivative work: MPF (cc-by)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Mat Honan from San Francisco, CA, USA (cc-by)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Fruit
Taken Aug 3, 2014 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 3, 2014 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 3, 2014 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 10, 2014 by EOL − Damon Tighe (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 2, 2001 by EOL − Dean Wm. Taylor (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Jesse Wagstaff from Larkspur, CA, USA (cc-by)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 20, 2011 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 20, 2011 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5285708)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30090943-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pinus balfouriana Balf.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Tree
