This pine is found on dry, rocky ridges and peaks. It has a large taproot and is remarkably windfirm. Growth is best on moist, well-drained soils in full sun.
Damage is caused by fire, white pine blister rust, bark beetles, budworms and dwarf mistletoe.
The limber pine is native to the Rocky Mountains from Canada to northern New Mexico, but not abundant anywhere in its range. It grows well in northwestern Iowa and on the ISU campus.