Sugar Pines in zone 5?
Posted by Tracy Hutchins on December 11, 2005
Q: Hi, I am originally from central CA but U now live in NE Indiana (near MI). I miss the Sugar Pines so much...would there be any hope of growing them here?
A: Yes, there is definitely hope of growing Sugar Pines in Indiana. In fact, they've been grown in western Europe and the eastern part of the U.S. in the past and have done just fine. Apparently they don't achieve very vigorous growth nor the height that they do in the West but you'd still have "your" special tree. I'd say go for it.
Just so we're sure we're talking about the same tree, according to my information, the Sugar Pine is Pinus lambertiana. Sometimes the common names confuse the issue but the scientific name should be consistent wherever you look. Not exactly sure how you'll get one started, whether from seed or seedling but you'll want to wait until spring to plant.
Trees can have a lot of meaning for people beyond their shade and placement in the landscape - they often help us feel a kinship with the earth or remind us of a special time in our lives. Good luck to you and your tree.
John Wiessinger ( December 12, 2005)