February Tree of the Month-Lacebark Pine
There is a moment in every plant-geek’s life when they fall, perhaps plumet is a more accurate term, into deep, eternity-length, floral love. It might be that one yellow orchid among all others in the Missouri Botanical Garden’s orchid show, or the blazing star blooming in the middle of a naturalized prairie planting. For me, it was the lacebark pine in the Chinese Garden at MBG. I had learned about Pinus bungeana in the ID classes at St. Louis Community College, by slides, and lengthy descriptions in the holy book of Dirr, but nothing, I mean nothing, was even close to the real thing. The lacebark in the Chinese Garden was planted in 1996, and now, 30 years later, it has achieved the perfect camouflage-patterned bark typical of the species and has endeared itself to me even more, like a spouse still admiring their mate after 30+ years of marriage.
Like December’s Tree of the Month, short leaf pine (December Tree of the Month-Shortleaf Pine –), the lacebark pine is a member of that select group of pines with three needles per bundle. Lacebarks grow slowly but can eventually reach 50’ tall and 35’ wide. In the trade, they are normally sold as multi-stemmed. This is no doubt because the more stems or trunks you have, the more of that stunning bark pattern you have. And why have a lacebark if you don’t want to see the bark? That said, I don’t often recommend limbing up evergreens, but without lower-limb pruning, the tree’s most notable, elegant trait will remain hidden. Patience is required as you might wait up to ten years to see the best bark patterns, which eventually age to a milky-white.
Native to China, lacebarks seem to tolerate our Midwest weather well, with no serious disease or pest issues. Full sun is best to achieve a well-balanced shape. Like most conifers, it prefers well-drained soils. Cones are small, 2-3.” A prime specimen tree.
What I love about this plant;
-Incredibly beautiful, camouflage-patterned bark.
-Great winter interest.
-Decent screening properties once mature.
-No serious pests or diseases.
-Low maintenance.
-Deer tolerant.
What’s not so great;
-Can get large-give it room. There are a few dwarf or compact cultivars available, like ‘Diamant’, ‘Silver Ghost’, ‘Compacta’, or ‘Temple Gem’, but they are hard to come by and usually expensive. Research before you make a purchase.
-Branches can be prone to damage during wet, heavy snows.
-Slow growing, which can be a pro or con, but the bark takes up to ten years to mature, so be patient with your young lacebark.
-Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com
Words and photos by Jo Batzer
© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com-2026, All rights reserved.
