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Bristlecone Pine

Pinus longaeva

Least Concern →

Diet

Autotroph

Lifespan

5000 years

Length

15.0 m

Trend

→ Stable

About

The oldest known living individual tree on Earth, the Great Basin bristlecone pine can live over 5,000 years in the harsh, windswept subalpine environments of the White Mountains of California and the Great Basin region. Their extreme longevity is linked to slow metabolism, dense resinous wood resistant to decay and insects, and harsh high-altitude conditions that limit competition. Tree ring records from bristlecone pines have provided an invaluable climate proxy record extending back thousands of years.

Fun Facts

✨ They grow at high altitudes in harsh conditions.
✨ Their wood is so dense that dead trees can remain standing for thousands of years.
✨ Methuselah's exact location is kept secret to protect it.

Habitat & Distribution

Typically found in temperate and boreal forests, often at higher elevations.

🌲 Forest 🪨 Rocky Areas

Found in United States.

🇺🇸 United States

Diet & Behavior

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Autotroph

Bristlecone Pine is classified as autotroph, adapted to its ecological niche.

Diet

🍽️ Autotroph

Conservation Status

LC Least Concern

Population Trend

→ Stable

Full Taxonomy

Kingdom

Plantae (Plants)

Phylum

Coniferophyta (Conifers)

Class

Pinopsida (Conifers)

Order

Pinales (Pines & Allies)

Family

Pinaceae (Pine Family)

Genus

Pinus (Pines)

Species

Pinus longaeva (Bristlecone Pine)

Names in Other Languages

German langlebige Kiefer

Similar Species in Pinus

View all species in Pinus →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Bristlecone Pine?

The scientific name of Bristlecone Pine is Pinus longaeva. It belongs to the genus Pinus.

What is the conservation status of Bristlecone Pine?

Bristlecone Pine (Pinus longaeva) is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. The population trend is stable.

Where does Bristlecone Pine live?

Bristlecone Pine is found in Found in United States.. Countries include United States.

What family does Bristlecone Pine belong to?

Bristlecone Pine (Pinus longaeva) belongs to the genus Pinus, which is part of the taxonomic family Pinaceae.

What does Bristlecone Pine eat?

Bristlecone Pine is autotroph. Its diet is adapted to its natural habitat and ecological niche.

How long does Bristlecone Pine live?

Bristlecone Pine has an average lifespan of approximately 5000 years in the wild.

Is Bristlecone Pine endangered?

No, Bristlecone Pine (Pinus longaeva) is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, meaning it is not currently at significant risk of extinction.

What kingdom does Bristlecone Pine belong to?

Bristlecone Pine (Pinus longaeva) belongs to the kingdom Plantae (Plants).