This has the makings of an Austrian Pine but the cone doesn't match as well as I'm comfortable with. The top is more swirly and rounded off than the flat topped Austrians I've gotten accustomed to. It is growing in my neighbors unmanaged backyard and has two needles per cluster.
Pinus densiflora
Resin
All right, my hunch was correct about this one - I thought it was a new one for me.
Are there any other good ID features of this species - especially when compared to the many other 2 needled pines like Austrian, Red, and Japanese Black Pine?
Thanks for your help as always Resin.
One useful character here is that P. densiflora has slenderer needles than those others. There's also subtle differences in cone and cone scale shape, but they aren't easy to spot without plenty of experience ;-)
Resin
I see Austrian Pine quite often around here; the others mentioned, less so.
Pinus densiflora seems to have much more orange-reddishness to its flaky bark with age - especially in the selection Pinus densiflora 'Umbraculifera' (Tanyosho Pine). Stands out at a distance, comparatively.
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/101764/
The big old tree at Wave Hill in New York remains my touchstone for this species.
I love my Tanyosho's bark!!
Mo Bot has some spectacular ones in the Japanese garden.
Good stuff everyone, thanks!
Weerobin, for being a self-described "hobby suburban pretender," you sure seem to have a number of choice plants that look great. You ain't foolin' anyone.
