Trees

Pinus cembra

Swiss stone pine

Pinus cembra at the Geneva Botanical Garden; licensed photograph, not current inventory.

Swiss stone pine grows slowly into a full, narrow evergreen whose needles remain on the branches for several years. Young trees are pyramidal, becoming more open and rounded with age. It is a cool-climate specimen that benefits from good air movement and well-drained soil; hot, humid southern conditions are not its strong suit.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun
Size: Height: 30–40 ft · Width: 15–25 ft
Water: Moderate moisture; moist soil is preferred, with some drought tolerance after establishment.
Hardiness: USDA zones 4–7

Sizes & prices

#1$39.99
#10Swiss Stone PineCall for price

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Landscape use & tree form

Form: Narrow pyramidal when young; more open and rounded with age
Growth rate: Slow
Use: Specimen; evergreen screen

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Species is listed as deer resistant, not deer-proof.
Drought: Moderate drought tolerance after establishment; species-level guidance.
Wet soil: Needs drainage; avoid waterlogged roots.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Caterpillar host: Moths
Evidence: Species-level guidance; cultivar habitat value varies.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Evergreen; blue-green needles
Cones: Species cones take about three years to mature; cultivar cone production varies.

Growing & care

Site: Provide good air circulation.
Soil: Moist, well-drained loam; the species also tolerates alkaline and comparatively dry soils.
Pruning: Little routine pruning is needed. For a denser outline, shorten soft new candles before they harden in early summer; do not cut back into bare, needleless wood.
Siting: Provide air circulation; poorly suited to hot, humid southern climates.
Issues: Protect from damaging winds; poorly suited to prolonged hot, humid conditions.

Sources & photo credits

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

www.udel.edu

The Morton Arboretum

Photo: Tiia Monto · CC BY-SA 3.0

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.