This variety of mugo pine is grown for its upright form and large, commanding presence. A large shrub or small tree, this evergreen grows to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It is somewhat conical in shape, and its needles are longer than other mugo pines.

Pines are tolerant of a wide variety of soils except for saturated soils. It prefers full sun and is drought-tolerant once established. Pine tip moths can occasionally bother it. The Big Tuna Mugo Pine works well as an accent plant or statement piece.