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Whitebark Pine - Pinus albicaulis
State Rank Reason (see State Rank above)
Whitebark pine is a common component of subalpine forests and a dominant species of treeline and krummholtz habitats. It occurs in almost all major mountain ranges of western and central Montana. Populations of whitebark pine in Montana and across most of western North America have been severely impacted by past mountain pine beetle outbreaks and by the introduced pathogen, white pine blister rust. The results of which have been major declines in whitebark pine populations across large areas of its range. Additionally, negative impacts associated with encroachment and increased competition from other trees, primarily subalpine fir have occurred as a result of fire suppression in subalpine habitats.
- Details on Status Ranking and Review
Population Size
Score0 - Large: Generally >100,000 individuals.
Range Extent
Score0 - Widespread species within Montana (occurs in 5% or more of the state or generally occurring in 6 or more sub-basins.) as well as outside of Montana.
Area of Occupancy
Score0 - High: Occurs in >25 Subwatersheds (6th Code HUC’s).
Environmental Specificity
Score1 - Moderate: Species is restricted to a specific habitat that is more widely distributed or to several restricted habitats and is typically dependent upon relatively unaltered, good-quality habitat (C Values of 5-7).
Trends
Score3 - Severe Declines: Species has experienced declines of >50% in population size, range extent and/or occupied area in the recent past (approximately 30 years)
CommentWhitebark Pine has declined significantly due to blister rust and mountain pine beetle attacks. Encroachment by other conifers and disruption of natural fire cycles have also contributed to the declining trends.
Threats
Score3 - Very High: >70% of the populations are being negatively impacted or are likely to be negatively impacted in the near future by one or more activities or agents that are expected to result in decreased populations and/or decreasing habitat quality and/or quantity.
CommentWhite Pine Blister Rust is the primary threat to the species' viability.
Intrinsic Vulnerability
Score2 - High Vulnerability: Very specific biological attributes, unusual life history characteristics or limited reproductive potential makes the species highly susceptible to extirpation from stochastic events or other adverse impacts to its habitat and very slow to recover.
CommentLong time span to reproductive maturity.
Raw Conservation Status Score
Score
9 total points scored out of a possible 19.
General Description
Small tree to 25 m tall with ascending branches and a rounded or flat-topped crown. Bark smooth, light gray. Leaves yellow-green, 2–6 cm long, 5 per fascicle. Seed cones ovoid, 4–8 cm long, remaining on the tree and closed until opened and/or dislodged by squirrels or birds. Scales thin at the base but thickened toward the tip. Seeds wingless, 7–11 mm long (
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).
Species Range
Montana Range
Range Descriptions
Native
Range Comments
In MT east to Liberty and Park counties; BC and AB south to CA, NV, and WY (Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).
Observations in Montana Natural Heritage Program Database
Number of Observations: 5960
(Click on the following maps and charts to see full sized version)
Map Help and Descriptions
Relative Density
Recency
(Observations spanning multiple months or years are excluded from time charts)
Habitat
Subalpine and krummholtz habitats in most mountain ranges.
Ecological Systems Associated with this Species
Threats or Limiting Factors
STATE THREAT SCORE REASONReported threats to Montana's populations of Whitebark Pine are currently assigned as unknown. Widespread populations of
Mountain Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) and Blister Rust have caused extensive mortality. However, the current condition of most populations is not known. Information about impacts to specific populations is needed to calculate an appropriate score (MTNHP Threat Assessment 2021).
References
- Literature Cited AboveLegend:
View Online Publication- Lesica, P., M.T. Lavin, and P.F. Stickney. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. Fort Worth, TX: BRIT Press. viii + 771 p.
- Additional ReferencesLegend: View Online Publication
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Aho, Ken Andrew. 2006. Alpine and Cliff Ecosystems in the North-Central Rocky Mountains. Ph.D. Dissertation. Bozeman, Montana: Montana State University. 343 p.- Antibus, R.K., E.A. Hobbie, and C.L. Cripps. Sporocarp δ15N and use of inorganic and organic nitrogen in vitro differ among host-specific suilloid fungi associated with high elevation five-needle pines. Mycoscience 59, no. 4 (July 2018): 294-302. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.myc.2017.11.007
- Arno, S. F., and T. Weaver. 1990. Whitebark pine community types and their patterns on the landscape. Pages 97-105 in: W. C. Schmidt and K. J. McDonald, compilers. Proceedings-Symposium on Whitebark Pine Ecosystems: Ecology and Management of a High-Mountain Resource. March 29-31 1989, Bozeman, MT. USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. General Technical Report INT-270. Ogden, UT. 386 pp.
- Ash, M., and R. J. Lasko. 1990. Postfire vegetative response in a whitebark pine community, Bob Marshall Wilderness, Montana. Pp. 360-361 in W. C. Schmidt and K. J. McDonald, comps., Proc., Symp. on whitebark pine ecosystems: ecology and management of a high-mountain resource. USDA For. Servo Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-270. 376 pp.
- Carlson, J. 1991. Results of boreal owl surveys on the Jefferson Division of the Lewis & Clark National Forest. Montana Natural Heritage Program, Helena, MT. 33 pp.
- Chew, J. D. 1990. Timber management and target stands in the whitebark pine zone. Pp. 310-314 in W. C. Schmidt and K. J. McDonald, comps., Proc., Symp. on whitebark pine ecosystems: ecology and management of a high-mountain resource. USDA For. Servo Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-270. 376 pp.
- Clark, D. 1991. The effect of fire on Yellowstone ecosystem seed banks. M.Sc. Thesis. Montana State University, Bozeman. 115 pp.
- Cripps, C.L., J.E. Lindgren, and E.G. Barge. 2017. Amanita alpinicola sp. nov., associated with Pinus albicaulis, a western 5-needle pine. Mycotaxon 132: 665-676. https://doi.org/10.5248/132.665
- Culver, D.R. 1994. Floristic analysis of the Centennial Region, Montana. M.Sc. Thesis. Montana State University, Bozeman. 199 pp.
- DeMastus, C.R. 2013. Effective methods of regenerating Whitebark Pine (Pinus albicaulis) through direct seeding. M.Sc. Thesis. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University. 114 p.
- Despain, D. G. 1990. High-mountain resources of National Park Service lands. P. 53 in W. C. Schmidt and K. J. McDonald, comps., Proc., Symp. on whitebark pine ecosystclllS: ecology and management of a high-mountain resource. USDA For. Servo Gcn. Tech. Rep. INT270. 366 pp.
- Despain, D. G., and R. G. Krebill. 1990. Information gaps and research needs for whitebark pine. Pp. 349-351 in W. C. Schmidt and K. J. McDonald, comps., Proc., Symp. on whitebark pine ecosystems: ecology and management of a high-mountain resource. USDA For. Servo Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-270. 376 pp.
- Elkins, E.K. 2017. Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus Hudsonicus) midden site selection and the influence of conifer species compositions on midden occurrence in the Cooke City Basin of Montana. M.Sc. Thesis. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University. 62 pp.
- Forcella, F. 1977. Flora, chorology, biomass and productivity of the Pinus albicaulis-Vaccinium scoparium association. M.S. Thesis. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University. 99 pp.
- Forcella, F., and T. Weaver. 1979. Food production in the Pinus albicaulis/Vaccinium scoparium association. Montana Acad. Sci. Proc. 39:73-80.
- Fultz, J.E. 2005. Effects of shelterwood management on flower-visiting insects and their floral resources. M.Sc. Thesis. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University. 163 p.
- Gustafson, D. L. 1990. Ecology of aquatic insects in the Gallatin River drainage. Ph.D. Dissertation. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University. 194 p.
- Hansen-Bristow, K., C. Montagne, and G. Schmid. 1990. Geology, geomorphology, and soils within whitebark pine ecosystems. Pp. 62-71 in W. C. Schmidt and K. J. McDonald, comps., Proc., Symp. on whitebark pine ecosystems: ecology and management of a high-mountain resource. USDA For. Servo Gen. Tech. Rep. INT270. 366 pp.
- Harting, A.L. 1985. Relationships between activity patterns and foraging strategies of Yellowstone Grizzly Bears. M.Sc. Thesis. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University. 103 p.
- Hoff, R., and S. Hagle. 1990. Diseases of whitebark pine with special emphasis on white pine blister rust. Pp. 179-190 in W. C. Schmidt and K. J. McDonald, comps., Proc., Symp. on whitebark pine ecosystems: ecology and management of a high-mountain resource. USDA For. Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-270. 376 pp.
- Jacobs, J.S. 1989. Temperature and light effects on seedling performance of Pinus albicaulis. M.Sc. Thesis. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University. 39 p.
- Jenkins, M.L. 2017. Restoration of whitebark pine on a burn site utilizing native ectomycorrhizal Suilloid fungi. M.Sc. Thesis. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University. 201 p.
- Jenkins, M.L., C.L. Cripps, and L. Gains-Germain. 2018. Scorched Earth: Suillus colonization of Pinus albicaulis seedlings planted in wildfire-impacted soil affects seedling biomass, foliar nutrient content, and isotope signatures. Plant and Soil (February 2018): 1-19. DOI: 10.1007/s11104-018-3577-x
- Johnson, T. W. 1982. An analysis of pack and saddle stock grazing areas in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. M.Sc.Thesis. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University. 105 p.
- Jones, W. W. 1901. Preliminary flora of Gallatin County. M.S. Thesis. Bozeman, MT: Montana State College. 78 pp.
- Keane, R. R., S. F. Arno, J. K. Brown, and D. F. Tomback. 1990. Simulating disturbances and conifer succession in whitebark pine forests. Pp. 274-288 in W. C. Schmidt and K. J. McDonald, comps., Proc., Symp. on whitebark pine ecosystems: ecology and management of a high-mountain resource. USDA For. Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. tNT-270. 376 pp.
- Keane, Robert E.; Tomback, D.F.; Aubry, C.A.; Bower, A.D.; Campbell, E.M.; Cripps, C.L.; Jenkins, M.B.; Mahalovich, M.F.; Manning, M.; McKinney, S.T.; Murray, M.P.; Perkins, D.L.; Reinhart, D.P.; Ryan, C.; Schoettle, A.W.; Smith, C.M. 2012. A range-wide restoration strategy for whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis). Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-279. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 108 p.
- Kendall, K. C. and S. F. Arno. 1990. Whitebark pine-an important but endangered wildlife resource. Proceedings-symposium on whitebark pine ecosystems: ecology and management ofhigh-mountain resource, 1989 March 29-30, Bozeman, MT. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-270, Ogden, UT, US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. Pp.264-274.
- Kracht, R. L., and W. W. McCaughey. 1990. Artificial reforestation of whitebark pine. Pp. 369-370 in W. C. Schmidt and K. J. McDonald, comps., Proc., Symp. on whitebark pine ecosystems: ecology and management of a high-mountain resource. USDA For. Serve Gen. Tech. Rep. INT270. 376 pp.
- Lasko, R. J. 1990. Fire behavior characteristics and management implications in whitebark pine ecosystems. Pp. 319-323 in W. C. Schmidt and K. J. McDonald, comps., Proc., Symp. on whitebark pine ecosystems: ecology and management of a high-mountain resource. USDA For. Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-270. 376 pp.
- Laufenberg, D.A. 2019. Biophysical gradients and performance of whitebark pine plantings in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. M.Sc. Thesis. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University. 80 p.
- Lesica, P., M.T. Lavin, and P.F. Stickney. 2022. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants, Second Edition. Fort Worth, TX: BRIT Press. viii + 779 p.
- Little, E.L., Jr. 1979. Checklist of United States trees (native and naturalized). Agriculture Handbook No. 541. U.S. Forest Service, Washington, D.C. 375 pp.
- Lonner, T. N., and D. F. Pac. 1990. Elk and mule deer use of whitebark pine forests in southwestern Montana: an ecological perspective. Pp. 237-244 in Proc. of Symposium on whitebark pine ecosystems: ecology and management of a highmountain resource. USDA For. Serv., Intermount. Res. Sta. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT. 270. 386 pp.
- Losensky, B. J. 1990. Historical uses of whitebark pine. Pp. 191-197 in W. C. Schmidt and K. J. McDonald, comps., Proc., Symp. on whitebark pine ecosystems: ecology and management of a high-mountain resource. USDA For. Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-270. 376 pp.
- Mack, J.A. 1988. Ecology of black bears on the Beartooth Face, south-central Montana. M.Sc. Thesis. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University. 119 p.
- Martin, S.A. 1985. Ecology of the Rock Creek bighorn sheep herd, Beartooth Mountains, Montana. M.Sc. Thesis. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University. 152 p.
- Martinka, C. J. 1990. Integrating whitebark pine into national park management goals. Pp. 341-343 in W. C. Schmidt and K. J. McDonald, conlps., Proc., SyJnp. on whitebark pine ecosystems: ocology and management of a high-mountain resource. USDA For. Serve Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-270. 376 pp.
- Mattson, D. J., and D. P. Reinhart. 1990. Whitebark pine on the Mount Washburn massif, Yellowstone National Park. Pp. 106-117 in W. C. Schmidt and K. J. McDonald, comps., Proc., Symp. on whitebark pine ecosystems: ecology and management of a high-mountain resource. USDA For. Serve Gen. Tech. Rep. INT270. 376 pp.
- Mattson, D. J., D. P. Reinhart, and B. M. Blanchard. 1992. Variation in production and bear use of whitebark pine seeds in the Yellowstone area. In Proc., Plants and their environment: first biennial scientific conference on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem:in press.
- Mattson, D. J., K. C. Kendall, and D. P. Reinhart. 2001. Whitebark pine, grizzly bears, and red squirrels. Pp. 121-136 In Whitebark Pine communities, ecology and restoration (D. F. Tomback, S. F. Arno, and R. E. Keane, eds.). Island Press, Washington, D.C. 440 pp.
- Mattson, D.J., B.M. Blanchard, and R.R. Knight. 1992. Yellowstone grizzly bear mortality, human habituation, and whitebark pine seed crops. Journal of Wildlife Management 56 (3) :432-442.
- McCaughey, W. W., and W. C. Schmidt. 1990. Autecology of whitebark pine. Pp. 85-96 in W. C. Schmidt and K. J. McDonald, comps., Proc., Symp. on whitebark pine ecosystems: ecology and management of a high-mountain resource. USDA For. Serve Gen. Tech. Rep. INT270.376 pp.
- McCaughey, W., and T. Weaver. 1990. Bibliography of whitebark pine. Pinus albicaulis engelm. Pp. 376-386 in W. Schmidt and K. McDonald, eds., Symposium on whitebark pine ecosystems: ecology and management of a high mountain resource. USDA For. Serve Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-270.
- McCaughey, W., and T. Weaver. 1990. Biotic and microsite factors affecting whitebark pine establishment. Pp. 140-150 in W. Schmidt and K. McDonald, eds., Symposium on whitebark pine ecosystems: ecology and management of a high mountain resource. USDA For. Serve Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-270.
- McCaughey, W.W. 1990. Biotic and microsite factors affecting Pinus albicaulis establishment and survival. Ph.D. Dissertation. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University. 78 p.
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- Mohatt, K.R. 2006. Ectomycorrhizal fungi of whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) in the northern Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. M.Sc. Thesis. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University. 132 p.
- Oechsli, L.M. 2000. Ex-urban development in the Rocky Mountain West: consequences for native vegetation, wildlife diversity, and land-use planning in Big Sky, Montana. M.Sc. Thesis. Montana State University, Bozeman. 73 p.
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- Peck, S.V. 1972. The ecology of the Rocky Mountain goat in the Spanish Peaks area of southwestern Montana. M.Sc. Thesis. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University. 54 p.
- Picton, H.D. 1959. Use of vegetative types, migration, and hunter harvest of the Sun River elk herd, Montana. M.Sc. Thesis. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University. 39 p.
- Podruzny, S.R. 1999. Grizzly bear use of whitebark pine habitats in the Washburn Range. M.Sc. Thesis. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University. 60 p.
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- Roy, J.L. 1992. Ecology of reintroduced Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep following two transplants in the southern Madison Range, Montana. M.SC. Thesis. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University. 102 p.
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- Schubloom, L.A. 1995. Lichens as air quality indicators in three areas of southwestern Montana: lichen floristics and elemental analysis. M.Sc. Thesis. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University. 130 p.
- South, P.R. 1957. Food habits and range use of the mule deer in the Scudder Creek area, Beaverhead County, Montana. M.Sc. Thesis. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University. 34 p.
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- Trusty, P.E. 2009. Impact of severe fire on ectomycorrhizal fungi of whitebark pine seedlings. M.Sc. Thesis. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University. 104 p.
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- Wood, M.A. 1981. Small mammal communities after two recent fires in Yellowstone National Park. M.Sc. Thesis. Bozeman, Montana: Montana State University. 58 p.
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