ClimateAugust 16, 2026
bristlecone
BRIS-uhl-kohn
Definition
A type of long-lived, high-altitude pine tree characterized by dense, twisted wood and the ability to survive in harsh, rocky mountain environments.
Etymology
The term is a compound of 'bristle'—referring to the sharp, thorn-like prickles found on the cone scales—and 'cone', denoting the reproductive structure of the pine.
In the news
In this article, bristlecone pines are identified as 'old men of the mountain' that currently dominate high-elevation sites but face increasing pressure from climate-driven migration of other species.
A Gnarly Situation: High-Elevation Discovery Raises New Questions About Which California Trees Will Survive Climate Change
Read the full article ↗The Good Men Project