Scientific Name
Pinus mugo ‘Big Tuna’ ‘Big Tuna Mugo Pine’
The mugo pine is native to the subalpine zones of the mountains of central and southern Europe. There are two subspecies: one is shrubby and often multi-stemmed, while the other is typically single-stemmed and can grow to over 60 feet in height. The needles are relatively short, about 1 to 2 inches long, and are borne in bundles of two. The seed cones are also small, 1 to 2 inches long, and may be held erect, horizontal, or slightly pendulous on the branches. The species is very cold tolerant but may not perform well in climates warmer than ours. It is also adaptable to a range of soil types and sun or shade exposures.
Most people are familiar with this species through its many low-growing dwarf cultivars, which are widely used for massing and foundation plantings. The straight species is not often encountered in the U.S. The ‘Big Tuna’ cultivar is one of a smaller group of upright forms and is among the fastest growing. Estimates of its mature size vary, but the upper range is about 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide. That would suggest the Regis tree is approaching that size and may be a candidate for the Colorado champion list. There are mugo pines listed as Colorado champions at 58 and 42 feet tall, but since they are not identified as cultivars, they are likely upright forms of the species.