Swiss stone pine (arolla pine) Pinus cembra
Swiss stone pine (arolla pine) (Pinus cembra) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Pinaceae family, native to The Alps and Carpathians, at the tree line (1,500–2,300 m). It grows 10–25 m (33–82 ft) tall and 5–8 m (16–26 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -45 °C (-49 °F). Space plants about 6 m (20 ft) apart.
Plan Swiss stone pine (arolla pine) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Swiss stone pine (arolla pine) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Mature height | 10–25 m (33–82 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–8 m (16–26 ft) |
| Spacing | 6 m (20 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -45 °C (-49 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 2) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: seeds (pine nuts) |
| Native to | The Alps and Carpathians, at the tree line (1,500–2,300 m) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇷🇺 Russia |
Is Swiss stone pine (arolla pine) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
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 Swiss stone pine (arolla pine)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Swiss stone pine (arolla pine)
- How far apart should I plant Swiss stone pine (arolla pine)?
- About 6 m (20 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–8 m (16–26 ft).
- Does Swiss stone pine (arolla pine) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Swiss stone pine (arolla pine) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Swiss stone pine (arolla pine)?
- It tolerates about -45 °C (-49 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 2.
- Is Swiss stone pine (arolla 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. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Swiss stone pine (arolla pine)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Swiss stone pine (arolla pine). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Alpine Garden Society Encyclopaedia of Alpines and plant portraits, Alpine Garden Society, Pershore (UK)
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A slow, dense, columnar pine with soft five-needle bundles and violet cones that never open by themselves: spotted nutcrackers break them open and bury the seeds, planting the next generation. Trees at the tree line can live 1,000 years. Its fragrant wood is used for Alpine panelling and beds.
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