Bristlecone Pine is one of the longest living species of trees on earth. It is found in the higher mountains of the southwest United States. Bristlecone Pine grows in isolated groves in the arid mountain regions at an elevation between 5,000 and 10,000 feet. But the oldest ones are found exclusively in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains of California. Bristlecone Pine is capable of surviving in extremely harsh and challenging environments.
Bristlecone Pine is thought to be among the oldest living organisms in the world. It has a lifespan of more than 5,000 years. It grows on high mountains at a high elevation where the wind blows almost constantly and the temperatures can go well below zero. The soil in such locations are extremely dry as it receives less than a foot of rainfall every year. These extreme conditions result in slow growth of the tree. In some years the tree doesn't even grow a single ring. Even the tree's needles can remain green for over forty years.
Bristlecone Pines are protected by the government of the United States in a number of areas including the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains of California and the Great Basin National Park in Nevada. The oldest Bristlecone Pine was discovered growing in the White Mountains of eastern California. The age of the tree is calculated to be an astounding 5,063 years and counting as the tree is still living. Another of the oldest Bristlecone Pine was discovered in the White Mountains near Bishop. It is 4,844 years old and still living.
Bristlecone Pine is thought to be among the oldest living organisms in the world. It has a lifespan of more than 5,000 years. It grows on high mountains at a high elevation where the wind blows almost constantly and the temperatures can go well below zero. The soil in such locations are extremely dry as it receives less than a foot of rainfall every year. These extreme conditions result in slow growth of the tree. In some years the tree doesn't even grow a single ring. Even the tree's needles can remain green for over forty years.
Bristlecone Pines are protected by the government of the United States in a number of areas including the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains of California and the Great Basin National Park in Nevada. The oldest Bristlecone Pine was discovered growing in the White Mountains of eastern California. The age of the tree is calculated to be an astounding 5,063 years and counting as the tree is still living. Another of the oldest Bristlecone Pine was discovered in the White Mountains near Bishop. It is 4,844 years old and still living.
