Lacebark Pine

Lacebark pine (Pinus bungeana) is a slow-growing evergreen tree with stiff, dark-green needles in bundles of three and a pyramidal to rounded crown. Its bark becomes a patchwork of green, cream, brown and silvery tones as it exfoliates with age. [The Morton Arboretum](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/lacebark-pine/) gives a mature range of 30–50 feet tall and 20–35 feet wide and notes its somewhat brittle branches. ## Placement and form Give the tree room to develop its broad crown and plant it where the distinctive trunk can be seen. It works as a specimen in residential landscapes and parks, either trained to one trunk or allowed to develop a multi-stem form. Full sun is suitable; [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/pinus-bungeana/) notes that afternoon shade can help in hotter climates, where the pine may struggle. ## Soil and water Use moist, well-drained soil. Plant slightly high where drainage is uncertain, since saturated ground is unsuitable. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/pinus-bungeana/) reports drought tolerance once established; young trees need regular water as roots develop. ## Maintenance Avoid sites exposed to heavy snow, ice or strong winds that can break branches. Remove dead or damaged limbs selectively; lower branches may be removed gradually to reveal more of the bark, but allow time for the trunk to mature before shaping.