Whitebark Pine, Alpine Pine
It is a temperate plant. In Canada it grows from 1000 m altitude to the tree line. It grows on rocky soils and cliff faces. It requires a moist climate. It can tolerate some shade. It suits hardiness zones 4-8.
Synonyms
- Apinus albicaulis (Engelm.) Rydb.
- Pinus shasta Carriere
Edible Portion
- Inner bark, Seeds
Where does Whitebark Pine grow?
Found in: Australia, Britain, Canada, Central America, Mexico, North America, United States
Notes: There are 100-110 species of Pinus. About 80 Pinus species have edible nuts. (C Solomon)
Growing Whitebark Pine, Alpine Pine
Cultivation: Seeds germinate with difficulty.
Edible Uses: The nuts are eaten. They can be eaten fresh or stored. They can also be roasted. The inner bark is sweet and edible in spring. The needles can be steeped in water to make pine tea. Caution: The tea should not be drunk in large amounts. It should not be drunk by pregnant women.
Production: It is slow growing and long lived. Trees can live to 500 years old. The cones are harvested and dried slightly before pounding to remove the seeds.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
References
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Jackes, D. A., Edible Forest Gardens
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Trans. Acad. Sci. St. Louis 2:209. 1863
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Turner, N., 1997, Food Plants of Interior First Peoples. Royal BC Museum Handbook p 51
Turner, N., et al, 2011, "Up on the Mountain": Ethnobotanical Important of Montane Sites in Pacific Coastal North America. Journal of Ethnobiology 31(1): 4-43
Wickens, G.E., 1995, Edible Nuts. FAO Non-wood forest products. FAO, Rome. p176