In comparison, the greatest known age of a southern foxtail pine is 682 years. It is often difficult to determine the exact age and growth rates of these trees because of asymmetric growth and heartwood decay. Tree ages can be estimated with increment bores. The environmental and physiological factors contributing to the longevity of foxtail pines also work to lower their regeneration potential. With the caching of foxtail pine seeds by seed-eaters, seedlings often occur in dense clusters.
Trees grow in open stands on dry sunny ridges.
At higher elevations trees usually grow as widely spaced individuals in pure stands. Plants are intolerant of shade at all stages of growth. The growing conditions of ssp. Temperature extremes are great and winds severe. In both areas most of the precipitation occurs as winter snow.