Mexican Weeping Pine

Mexican weeping pine (*Pinus patula*) is an evergreen conifer with slender, bright-green needles that hang in soft sprays, reddish bark and curved brown cones. [Trees and Shrubs Online](https://www.treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/pinus/pinus-patula/) describes commonly cultivated trees around 12–15 m tall, sometimes exceeding 24 m, and an increasingly broad, rounded crown with age. The long needles are typically grouped in threes. ## Site and care The [RHS](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/13115/pinus-patula/details) recommends full sun and well-drained soil, with shelter for young plants from frost and drying winds. Its garden guidance gives a canopy spread around 4–8 m, though mature trees need generous space. Select a mild site and verify local suitability before planting. Routine pruning is usually unnecessary beyond care for damaged or dead wood. Monitor fallen needles, cones and lower branches so they do not accumulate as fuel. Keep botanical identity separate from other Mexican pines and named selections. ## Tasmania Fire Service — 2014–15 The [TFS garden-plant guide](https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/landcaretas/pages/101/attachments/original/1466562095/140835_TFSFireResistingPlants_2014_15.pdf?1466562095=) classifies this species as High Flammability and advises avoiding it in both the Building Protection Zone and the Fuel Modified Zone. This is a source-specific hazard classification, not a recommendation for planting near buildings. Keep the source's placement and fuel-management conditions with the assessment.