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Schwerin's White Pine Seeds

  

currently unavailable Fast Growing Hybrid and White Pine Blister Rust Resistant

Schwerins white pine represents a rare discovery of a natural hybrid in Berlin in 1905.  Dr. Graf von Schwerin discovered white pine seedlings that crossed and  had similar characteristics of nearby Himalayan white pine in his garden estate. Over time other hybrids were created however the original plants showed some of the most promise. We were fortunate to get seed of the original tree many years ago and planted them on a windswept field at our farm. Since then this tree grew very vigorous with dense branching and complete immunity to white pine blister rust as well. The plant shows fantastic growth with huge amounts of foliage with great density. Some of the hybrids show excellent vigor. I am currently still planting out new plants of this plant using seedlings from this tree. The only issue I have encountered was getting the large cones prior to the red squirrels who eat them like sweet corn.  

Schwerins white pine has many cultivars but most are dwarfs or unique shaped selections. My seed grown plants offer an opportunity to produce very vigorous tall straight growing trees even more vigorous than white pine already is. Pretty much the opposite of what is available today. The dense branching makes a good windbreak tree. The cones are produced often on young trees which allows you to create a hybrid swarm of this valuable white pine. 

 


Plant Specs
Genus & Species Pinus x schwerinii (strobus x wallichiana )
Seed Source Michigan
Hardiness -25F or more.
Height (ft) 50-70 ft.
Width (ft) 50-70 ft.
Pollination Requirements If seed is desired another white pine or two of these plants would be sufficient to produce seeds.
Soil Slightly acidic sandy loam. Can grow in more alkaline conditions than white pine.
Climate Zone 4-9
Ease of Cultivation Very easy to grow as well as fast growing, this is one hybrid worth establishing. The broad spreading habit makes it appealing as a wind break. The dense branching makes the tree almost impossible to climb! Seed orchards should be grown for this hybrid where the growth rate may exceed a typical white pine.