181. Pigtail Pine
Following last week’s Mexican conifer, here’s another; although this is a pine and it grows in Southampton.
Palmerston Park is arguably the loveliest of Southampton’s five central parks, noted for its magnificent rhododendron display in the spring. It is also home to a fine tree collection, including an elegant and rather rare Mexican weeping pine. It has formed a perfect dome, with hair-like needles hanging in pigtail bunches from its branches.
Species details
Mexican weeping pine
Pinus patula
Where to find it
Palmerston Park, Southampton SO14 1LL
///rocks.amount.milk | 50.906304, -1.403184
Mexican weeping pine notes
Beautiful Mexican weeping pines originate from high in the mountains of south east Mexico, they have traveled far and wide since but are uncommon in Britain and Ireland. They are tender, so are only suited to mild coastal areas where frosts are rare. Like many pine species, they have distinct features which set them apart from other pines, in this case a spreading, dome silhouette is typical, and the delicate needles are held in threes.
What a stunning tree!
Interesting, I had only the vaguest idea that a weeping pine existed.