🌳Tree of the Month for March 2026

Howdy, park-goers, it’s the March Tree of the Month!

This month, we’re highlighting the Pinus flexilis, limber pine, a mountain native known for its resilience and beauty. Found throughout the Rocky Mountains and Great Basin, this evergreen grows 25–60 feet tall and features soft bluish-green needles in bundles of five. In its native high elevations, wind and weather often sculpt it into uniquely twisted and shrubby forms.Limber pine is a needled evergreen featuring dark green to bluish-green needles that grow up to 3.5 inches long and are borne in bundles of five. Its cones are short-stalked, thick-scaled, and brown, reaching up to 8 inches in length. 

P. flexilis holds important ecological value as a source of food and habitat for wildlife within its native range. Its seeds are an important food source for several species, including mammals such as red squirrels and birds like Clark’s nutcracker, which is the primary distributor of limber pine seeds. Multiple bird and mammal species nest in this tree, and it also serves as a host plant for the larvae of the Imperial moth (Eacles imperialis). While generally considered adaptable and low maintenance, limber pine can be susceptible to certain rots and blights. Its most serious threat is white pine blister rust, caused by the fungus Cronartium ribicola, which was accidentally introduced to North America from Europe. 

There are six P. flexilis specimens within Tower Grove Park’s arboretum, most of which are new additions planted within the last decade. Some believe this species does not perform well in St. Louis’ climate, but the park’s specimens are beautiful, healthy trees. I encourage you to seek them out, admire them, and show them some love!