Bristlecone Pine

One of the first bristlecone pines that we saw in the park. Bristlecone pines are the oldest living organisms on Earth, often reaching nearly 5,000 years of age! Bristlecones have 5 needles per fascicle, and can grow to be 40-60 feet in height (under most favorable conditions.) Often they will die in portions. As the roots become exposed they will dry out and die. The tree directly connected above those roots will eventually die as well. The remainder of the tree will continue to live. This is among the causes that create the twisted tortured look of the trees.