Bristlecone pines (Pinus longaeva) are remarkable for their great age and their ability to survive adverse growing conditions. In fact, it seems that one secret to their longevity is the harsh environment in which most bristlecone pines grow.
We met our friend Daniel and Paule at the Grandview campground in the Inyo National Forest for the 4th of July weekend. This is a very rudimentary campground but it’s really cheap ($5/day) and really close the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.
Bristlecone pines in the White Mountains grow between 9,800 and 11,000 feet (3000–3400 m) above sea level. Conditions are harsh, with cold temperatures, a short growing season, and high winds. Bristlecone pines in these high-elevation environments grow very slowly, and in some years don’t even add a ring of growth. This slow growth makes their wood very dense and resistant to insects, fungi, rot, and erosion. Vegetation is very sparse, limiting the role of fire. Bristlecone pine seeds are occassionally cached by birds at lower elevations. Bristlecone pines grow more rapidly in more “favorable” environments at lower elevations but they do not achieve their legendary age or fascinating twisted shapes.
While bristlecone pines are the longest-living tree, scientists debate what is truly the oldest living thing. The creosote bush that grows in the Mojave Desert may be older. The cresote achieves its age by “cloning” new bushes from its root system. Yet bristlecone pines surely deserve our respect for not only surviving harsh conditions, but thriving in harsh conditions.
After sunset, my friend Daniel and I started playing with light painting trying to balance the luminosity of the sky and a bristlecone pine.
Beside the high altitude (watch out for altitude sickness signs) and the huge temperature difference between the day and the night (it was 95F (33C) during the day and 40F (7C) at night), the real fun begins at night. In this remote part of California, there is no light pollution and the milky way is really visible.
All the images presented here are available for licensing or as fine art prints.