Pinus mugo subsp. uncinata - Dwarf Mountain Pine

The Hooked Pine or Briançon Pine, in Latin Pinus uncinata, is a montane conifer of medium size and slow growth, recognizable by its generally asymmetrical habit. Its conical to pyramidal silhouette and rather narrow crown are characteristic and give it a wild appearance, well suited to a large natural garden. Its dense vegetation is made up of fairly stiff dark green needles, evergreen in winter. Very undemanding, this pine accepts most soils and extremely harsh living conditions. Plant preferably in isolation, in a sunny location.

Pinus uncinata, considered by some botanists as a subspecies of Pinus mugo, is also known as Mountain Pine, Hooked Pine or Briançon Pine. It is a member of the Pine family, which includes many conifers present in our gardens or in nature, such as Spruces, Larches, Firs, Cedars, etc. It is a montane species, one of the oldest in Europe among Pines, surviving from the glacial era. In its natural state, it is mainly found in the Pyrenees, where it occupies an estimated cumulative area of 110,000 ha, particularly in the famous Cirque de Gavarnie. Populations also exist in the Alps, and to a lesser extent, in the Massif Central, Jura and to some extent in the Vosges. It is a high-altitude species that prefers to grow between 1600 and 2300m. At lower altitudes, it often coexists with Scots Pine, Pectinate Fir and Beech, although it tolerates little competition from other species. At high altitudes, it generally forms homogeneous stands, being one of the few that withstand the difficult living conditions prevailing there (wind, cold, snow, etc.). Briançon Pine is a slow-growing conifer, reaching up to 20m (66ft) in height, sometimes 25m (82ft) for very old specimens, with a very long lifespan (over 1500 years!). It has a relatively narrow habit, reaching 10 to 12m (33 to 39ft) in width, with a conical to pyramidal habit and a fairly dense crown, which allows it to withstand the weight of snow. Its frequently asymmetrical silhouette makes it easily recognizable. It forms a rather straight trunk, especially if it has space around it, with a diameter of 50 to 90cm (20 to 35in). The bark is usually dark grey to brown or almost black, rather dull. It flakes off in angular plates, thick at the base of the trunk. The branches are vigorous, glabrous, also dark in colour, often greyish black. The needles are grouped in pairs, occasionally in threes, and measure on average 4 to 5cm (2in) long. Fairly dark green, they are upright and stiff, arranged in brushes all around the branches. The male catkins, 10mm (1in) long, appear in June-July and are yellow or red. The female cones are purple turning dark brown when ripe and measure 3 to 6cm (1 to 2in). The cone scales bear small hooks that gave the species its name.

This pine demonstrates extreme adaptability, both in terms of soil and climatic conditions. It grows in limestone to acidic soil, even peaty soil, tolerating relatively dry as well as moist (but well-drained) soils. Resistant to temperatures as low as -30°C, it endures strong winds as well as snow without any damage (it grows on Mont Aigoual...). It just requires a sunny exposure, possibly semi-shaded in hot climates.

Briançon Pine finds its place from north to south, in gardens large enough to accommodate it. Its wild appearance testifies to its botanical origin, far from the frequent horticultural cultivars among ornamental conifers. It will appeal to nature lovers, associated with other native plants. Cornus mas 'Jolico', a Cornelian Cherry with a very similar appearance to the botanical species, will be a very good companion. The dark background of the Hooked Pine's foliage will highlight its very early yellow flowering as well as the reddish colour of its autumn foliage. The European Spindle (Euonymus europaeus) is also one of those shrubs with a natural silhouette, which is adorned with fabulous autumn colours, as well as extremely decorative pink and orange fruits.