Ponderosa Pine

Scientific name

Pinus ponderosa

Description

Ponderosa Pine is a large long-lived coniferous tree species that typically grows between 20 and 40 m in height. The bark is yellowish brown to reddish orange in color and is deeply furrowed into large scaly plates. The needles are dark yellowish green colored and appear in bundles of three. The cones are oval shaped and appear upright until they release the seeds. All parts of the tree are fragrant. This tree is beneficial to wildlife species, like birds and small mammals, for nesting and feeding. The roots are good for controlling erosion and stabilizing shorelines. Ponderosa Pines are fire resistant and populations depend on low intensity forest fires for success and reproduction. This is the most widely distributed and common pine in North America.

Planting conditions

Ponderosa Pine grows best in normal to moist conditions with full sun exposure. It prefers well-drained sand or gravely loam soil types. It can tolerate drought and dry soil but young plants should be watered occasionally during hot summers. It is intolerant of shade. This tree can be naturally found in mountainous areas along the Pacific Coast.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Dry
  • Normal
  • Moist
  • Drought Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
• Eco Zone:
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
• Plant type:
  • Tree
• Height:
  • 20-40 m
• Spread:
  • 5 m