Eldarica Pine

Eldarica pine (Pinus eldarica), also known as Afghan pine and Afghan or Mondell pine, is an evergreen conifer with a dense, narrow pyramidal form when young. With age, its crown can become more irregular, while the long needles and persistent cones keep it useful as a year-round screen or specimen. [Texas Tech Plant Resources](https://www.depts.ttu.edu/plantresources/Pages/directories/landscape-info-sheets/woody-info/Pinus_eldarica.php) lists full sun, well-drained soil, strong drought tolerance, and USDA zones 6–8; [Utah State University TreeBrowser](https://extension.usu.edu/treebrowser/catalog/afghan-pine) describes a hot, dry-climate pine and reports zones 8–10. Because those sources differ in climate ranges and mature dimensions, the existing recorded ranges are retained without narrowing them to one regional account. ## Form and placement Plant in full sun where a substantial evergreen can screen a view or stand as a specimen. Texas Tech describes dense pyramidal growth and a spread that can reach 40 feet; Utah State describes a narrow young form that becomes irregular, with 30–40 feet in height. The current broader size and zone records remain useful as regional estimates rather than universal limits. ## Maintenance Use well-drained soil and provide regular water while a new tree establishes. Once established, the species is strongly drought tolerant. Allow the crown to develop its natural shape; routine shearing is unnecessary for a specimen tree.