Whitebark Pine

Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) is a high-elevation conifer of the subalpine and treeline zones in Banff National Park. Listed as endangered in Canada; its seeds are a critical food for Clark’s nutcracker and grizzly bears.

Identification

Stunted, often multi-trunked; gray, scaly bark; needles in fives (like limber pine); purple cones that do not open on the tree; seeds dispersed by nutcrackers. Cones are wingless; nutcrackers cache seeds, and forgotten caches germinate.

Habitat

Upper subalpine and treeline (2,000–2,400 m); often in open, wind-scoured sites. Grows with subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, and subalpine larch.

Conservation

Threatened by white pine blister rust (introduced fungus), mountain pine beetle, and climate change. Parks Canada and partners conduct restoration; planting rust-resistant seedlings. Do not disturb whitebark pine; collection of cones or seeds is prohibited.