Family: Pinaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Pinus patula (jelecote pine or Mexican weeping pine) is a fast-growing pine native to the mountains of Mexico. It is recognized for its long, soft, drooping needles and tall, straight trunk, giving the tree a graceful “weeping” appearance. This species is widely planted in tropical and subtropical regions for timber production, erosion control, reforestation, and as an ornamental landscape tree. It is valued for its rapid growth and adaptability to a range of elevations and climates. In Hawaiʻi, Pinus patula has become naturalized on Maui.

Risks & Threats
Although used for forestry and landscaping, Pinus patula possesses traits that are cause for concern in Hawaiʻi and other tropical island ecosystems. This species produces abundant wind-dispersed seeds, grows quickly, and can establish in disturbed or unmanaged areas, allowing it to spread beyond cultivation. Dense stands of pines may alter native habitats by shading out understory vegetation, changing soil chemistry through acidic needle litter, and increasing wildfire risk due to the buildup of flammable needles and woody debris. Because this species is naturalized in Hawaiʻi and could detrimentally impact sensitive ecosystems, ongoing management and monitoring are important. When possible, choosing low risk or native alternatives is recommended to help protect Hawaiʻi’s unique environments.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Grows in higher elevations of regions with tropical to subtropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Maui, Hawaiian Islands, and South Africa
  
• An environmental weed in Haleakala National Park and South Africa
  
• Other Pinus species have become invasive
  
• Pollen may be allergenic to susceptible individuals
  
• Increases fire risk in areas where naturalized or invasive
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Forms dense stands in native range
  
• Reproduces by seed
  
• Able to hybridize with other Pinus species
  
• Primarily outcrossing, but capable of self-pollination
  
• First flowers in 2 years. Able to produce seed in 5+ years
  
• Seeds dispersed by wind, intentionally by people and possibly by birds and rodents
  
• Prolific seed production
  
• Seeds able to be stored for extended periods; May form a persistent seed bank.
  
• Produces serotinous cones. Seeds may remain viable on trees for 7 years
  
• Older trees somewhat fire tolerant

Low Risk Traits:

• May only become invasive at higher elevations of tropical and subtropical climates
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Palatable to browsing and grazing animals
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Valued for timber and as an ornamental
  
• Light demanding and relatively Shade-intolerant
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Herbicides provide effective control
  
• Will not resprout if cut low to the ground and all foliage is removed