Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Pinaceae
Botanical Name
Pinus ponderosa
Plant Common Name
Ponderosa Pine
General Description
Poderosa pine is the most common pine in the American West and is the primary species in many middle elevation forests. Its range extends throughout most mountain ranges from the Rockies to California, including southern British Columbia and the highest elevations of northwestern Mexico.
Young trees have a neatly pyramidal habit but when mature they develop a tall, bushy, irregular crown. The bark can be quite beautiful and impressive in older specimens. It is cinnamon orange with contrasting deep black crevaces and has flattened scaly plates that break off and are said to smell like vanilla. The long needles are deep to pale green, come in bundles of two and three, and the brown female cones are sharp, dense and triangular.
While Ponderosa pine is drought tolerant, extended dry periods across its native range have caused many of the trees to become vulnerable to bark beetles. This results from high competition for limited moisture in unnaturally high density forests. Ultimately these pests thin trees to the point where they are well spaced. When planted on home sites and given supplemental water, the trees are better able to withstand the beetles. Cultivated ponderosa pines are fast growing and make quick shade trees, screens or windbreaks. They also offer vital food and habitat to wildlife.
There are varying regional variants of ponderosa pine, so residents of the western United States should purchase trees grown from local seed. This will ensure optimal compatibility with the regional surroundings. In areas where it is well-adapted, this is an excellent reforestation tree for new home sites, commercial areas and burned out wild lands due to its fast growth and tolerance to drought.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 4
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USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 8
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Sunset Zone
H1, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
80'-120' / 24.4m - 36.6m
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Width
20'-25' / 6.1m - 7.6m
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Native To
Western United States, Northwestern United States, Southwestern United States, California, Canada, Mexico
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Pyramidal
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
None
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Dark Green
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Bark Color
Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
