The Great Basin Bristlecone Pine (Pinus longaeva) is considered by some to be the longest-lived, non-clonal tree species in the world, with the oldest individual being aged at close to 5,000 years. P. longaeva lives just below the tree-line at high elevations, where temperatures drop well below freezing, the growing season is short, and high winds are persistent. It was really interesting to learn about the crazy adaptations that allow P. longaeva to live so long in such poor conditions, such as the tree’s ability to go dormant in times of intense drought. They don’t grow much at all during these times, and their dormancy can last for several years. A particularly full and attractive specimen was planted at the Red Canyon Visitor Center at Dixie National Forest. Some footage of that tree was included in this video. The rest of the footage comes from hiking along the Bristlecone Loop and Fairyland Loop in Bryce Canyon National Park. #trees #pinus #pines #pinuslongaeva #bristleconepine #bristlecone #pine #arborist #brycecanyon #nationalpark #nationalparks #parks #plants #plantsofinstagram #nativeplants #hiking #redcanyon