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Pinus coulteri D. Don
Coulter pine
Pinaceae (Pine Family)
USDA Symbol: PICO3
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
A 30-70 ft., conifer with a broad pyramidal or sometimes asymmetrical crown. The long, stiff, deep-green needles are up to 12 in. in length. Huge cones remain on the tree for several years. Straight-trunked tree with rows of nearly horizontal branches formed annually, an open, thin, irregular crown, and very large, heavy cones.
This pine has the heaviest cones of all pines in the world, often weighing 4-5 pounds (1.8-2.3 kilos). The lightweight, soft wood serves for rough lumber and fuel. Indians once gathered and ate the large seeds; now squirrels and other wildlife consume the annual crop. It was discovered in 1831 by Thomas Coulter (1793-1843), the Irish botanist and physician, who collected plants in Mexico and California.
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Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Tree
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Linear
Leaf: Green
Fruit:
Size Class: 36-72 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: YellowBloom Time: Apr , May
Distribution
USA: CANative Distribution: Inner Coast Ranges of c. & s. CA; n. Mex.
Native Habitat: Warm, dry, rocky slopes
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Dry, rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Drought tolerant. Can grow at a rate of 10 ft. per year.
Propagation
Description: Propagate by seed.Seed Collection: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
From the Archive
Wildflower Newsletter 1984 VOL. 1, NO.4 - Lady Bird Heartened by Progress, Horticultural Society Annual Meeting Held, Dire...
Recommended Species Lists
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View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Pinus coulteri in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Pinus coulteri in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Pinus coulteri
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01Research By: TWC Staff
