Canary Island pine Pinus canariensis
Canary Island pine (Pinus canariensis) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Pinaceae family, native to Canary Islands. It grows 15–30 m (49–98 ft) tall and 6–10 m (20–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -8 °C (18 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
Plan Canary Island pine in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Canary Island pine at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 m (49–98 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -8 °C (18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Canary Islands |
| Common in gardens of | 🇪🇸 Spain |
Is Canary Island pine toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Canary Island pine
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Canary Island pine
- How far apart should I plant Canary Island pine?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
- Does Canary Island pine need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Canary Island pine need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Canary Island pine?
- It tolerates about -8 °C (18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- Is Canary Island pine poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Canary Island pine?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Canary Island pine. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Euro+Med PlantBase, Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin
Notes and assumptions
- One of the few conifers that resprouts from trunk and branches after fire, protected by thick bark.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Colorado blue spruce Picea pungens
- Japanese black pine Pinus thunbergii
- Eastern white pine Pinus strobus
- Scots pine Pinus sylvestris
- Norway spruce Picea abies
- Siberian larch Larix sibirica
- Two-needle piñon Pinus edulis