Apache Pine

(Pinus engelmannii)

Apache Pine (Pinus engelmannii)

Identifying Characters: The geographical range of the species, the needles in bundles of 3, and the long needles will identify this species.

Similar Species: Apache Pine commonly occurs with Arizona Pine and Chihuahan Pine. The needles of Chihuahan Pine also occur in bundles of 3, but are must shorter (2.5 to 4 inches) than those of Apache Pine (8 to 12 inches). Also the bundle sheath of Chihuahan Pine is deciduous after the first year, but is not in Apache Pine. Arizona Pine has needles in bundles of 5 and the needles are shorter (4 to 6 inches) than those of Apache Pine.

Measurements: Mature individuals of Apache Pine range between 50 and 70 feet in height and 2 feet in diameter.

Cones: Cones 4 to 5.5 inches long, ovate and conical, virtually stalkless;cone scales quadrate, thick, with a prominent central keel and a stout short apical spine which is either straight or curved back toward the base of the cone.

Needles: Needles in bundles of 3, thick, dull green, and 8 to 12 inches long; needles concentrated at tips of thick twigs and spreading or drooping; bundle sheath not shed after first year.

Bark: The color of the bark ranges between dark and and black-gray; bark thick and rough, deeply furrowed into scaly ridges.

Native Range: Apache Pine occur in southeastern Arizona and extreme southwestern New Mexico within the United States. The species also has an extensive distribution in the mountains of western and northern Mexico.

Habitat: Apache Pine is a montane species occurring along rocky ridges and mountain slopes. It is common found with Arizona Pine (Pinus ponderosa var. arizonica) and Chihuahan Pine.