The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: golden mugo pine, golden Swiss mountain pine

Family: Pinaceae (pine family)

Distribution: Species native to Europe

Hardiness: USDA Zone 3

Life form: Evergreen shrub

Comments: A semi-dwarf evergreen growing 8-10' tall with a somewhat loose habit eventually becoming broadly conical. Needles are relatively long, 2", and noticeably twisted. Named for its bright yellow winter foliage that will take on the more customary yellow-green in summer. Cones, if produced, are born terminally, solitary or in groups, 1-3" long. Useful as an accent plant for the sunny shrub border. Subject to pine needle scale and sawfly damage, but otherwise quite adaptable to urban conditions.