Swiss Mountain Pine Pinus mugo

The Mugo pine is a bushy, multi-stemmed, or broadly rounded conifer. needled evergreen shrub or tree in the Pinaceae or pine family. The form and habit of the Mugo pine can be quite variable, although it is usually low, broad-spreading, and bushy. Mugo pine can take on a more prostrate form as well as become tree-like. The species may grow to a height of 20 to 25 feet and spread 25 to 30 feet; however, there are many dwarf varieties and cultivars available. The dwarf height averages 2 to 5 feet tall and spreads outward.

The Mugo pine is native to high-elevation habitats from southern to central Europe. The shrub is often used to control erosion and prevent avalanches.

The genus name, Pinus, is the Latin name for pines. The epithet, mugo, is derived from Italian and means "small mountain pine." 

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 it is best to 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 bark of the Mugo pine is grayish-brown with irregular plates. The needles are green, 1 to 3 inches long, rigid, thick, and appear in bundles of two and have a slight twist. This shrub produces inconspicuous male and female pollen cones from May to July.  The male pollen cone is greenish-yellow and 0.25 inches long. The female cone ripens in the fall and becomes oval to conical, sessile, 1 to 2.5 inches long, and dark brown.

Although mugo pine is typically used in foundation plantings, it can be showcased as a specimen, used in mass or small groupings, planted along walkways or near ponds, or grown in containers on a patio. 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.