Pinus mugo

The mungo pine is a needled evergreen in the pine family (Pinaceae) that is native to the mountains of Central Europe to Bulgaria. Genus name comes from the Latin name for pines. The epithet, mugo, is derived from Italian and means "small mountain pine." 

The Mugo pine can grow as a shorter dense multi-stem shrub or a tree up to 25 feet tall and wide. There are many dwarf varieties and cultivars available that average 2 to 5 feet tall with an outward spread. This plant grows best in full sun and moist, well-drained loam or sandy soils. It is somewhat tolerant of partial shade and clay soils but avoid wet or poorly drained soils. Mugo pine prefers cool summer climates and is generally tolerant of urban conditions. It normally does not produce a tap root and is easy to transplant. Prune annually in late winter to keep its compact size. This shrub or tree is resistant to damage by deer.

The plant produces both male and female cones in the fall. 

The species can be used as a foundation plant, a specimen or for screening.  The dwarf varieties can be used in multiple ways including foundations, walkways, containers, patios, and edges of ponds. Because this plant supports moths and other pollinators, it is an excellent choice for a nighttime or pollinator garden.  Its interesting shape and evergreen needles also make it work well in winter or in a rock garden.

Quick ID Hints:

• small to large sized, low, broad spreading, multi-stemmed, and bushy evergreen shrub
• leaves are medium to dark green needles in fascicles of two, 1 to 3 inches long, firm, thick, rigid, smooth, finely toothed margins
• pollen cones are male greenish-yellow, cylinder-shaped, and female clusters of yellowish-green to purple
• female pollen cones ripe in the fall and are 1 to 2.5 inches long, dark brown without sharp points

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Pine needle scale, sawflies, and moths and borers may affect the Mugo pine. It is also susceptible to tip blight, rust, and rot. This tree is susceptible to wind damage.  

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.