Native Plants
Plant Database
Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.
Reveal, James L.
Pinus ponderosa
Pinus ponderosa Lawson & C. Lawson
Ponderosa Pine, Western Yellow Pine, Pino Blanco
Pinaceae (Pine Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: PIPO
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
Ponderosa pine grows 60-150 ft. in cultivation (as much as 258 ft. in the wild) with a pyramidal, open crown. Old trees are devoid of branches for more than 1/2 of their height. Branches are short and pendulous, often turned up at the ends. Bark is cinnamon-brown to yellow-orange and flaky. Dark, gray-green to yellowish-green needles are long and occur in tufts of two or three at the ends of the twigs. Large to very large tree with broad, open, conical crown of spreading branches; 3 distinct geographic varieties.
This is the most widely distributed and common pine in North America. The typical variety, Ponderosa Pine or Pacific Ponderosa Pine (var. ponderosa), has long needles, 3 in a bundle, and large cones, and occurs in the Pacific Coast region. Rocky Mountain Ponderosa Pine or Interior Ponderosa Pine (var. scopulorum Engelm.) with short needles, 2 in a bundle, and small cones, is found in the Rocky Mountain region. Arizona Pine or Arizona Ponderosa Pine (var. arizonica (Engelm.) Shaw), occurring mainly in southeastern Arizona, has 5 slender needles in bundle. David Douglas, the Scottish botanical explorer, found this pine in 1826 and named it for its ponderous, or heavy, wood. This valuable timber tree is the most commercially important western pine. Its lumber is especially suited for window frames and panel doors. Quail, nutcrackers, squirrels, and many other kinds of wildlife consume the seeds; and chipmunks store them in their caches, thus aiding dispersal.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Tree
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Arrangement: Fascicled
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Linear
Breeding System: Flowers Unisexual , Monoecious
Fruit Type: Cone
Size Notes: Many specimens top 150 ft. One specimen tops 258 ft. in height.
Leaf: Green
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Red , YellowBloom Time: Apr
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , CO , ID , MT , ND , NE , NM , NV , OK , OR , SD , TX , UT , WA , WYCanada: BC
Native Distribution: Primarily Rocky Mts. & Pacific Coast mts.; also Trans-Pecos, TX, n.w. OK & w. NE, SD & ND, south in Mexico from Baja California east to Nuevo Leon but concentrated in the mountains of Chihuahua
Native Habitat: Rocky hills; low elevations in mountains
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry , Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Deep, sandy, gravelly or clay loams.
Conditions Comments: This drought resistant pine tolerates alkalinity, salt and most moisture regimes. It is susceptible to root rot, blister rusts and needle blight, as well as a variety of insect-related problems.
Benefit
Attracts: ButterfliesLarval Host: Pine White (Neophasia menapia)
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
|
Chiricahua White (Neophasia terlootii)  Adult Food Source |
Pandora pinemoth (Coloradia pandora)  Larval Host |
Pine White (Neophasia menapia)  Larval Host |
Propagation
Description: Sow fresh, untreated seed in late fall. Seedlings have a better survival rate if planted in containers instead of directly into the field.Seed Collection: Collect cones from vigorous trees in late summer and fall just before they completely open to drop seeds. Spread cones on racks to dry so they will release seeds. Cones may be shaken to release seeds. Store at a moisture content of 5-10 % fresh weight.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Replacing grass with xeric plants in Nevada
March 20, 2009
I am looking to xeriscape my front yard - remove all grass! I am thinking 3-4 larger plants: bird of paradise (mesquite??), aloe, and ..?? Also, possibly a Chilean mesquite.
Do you have suggestio...
view the full question and answer
National Wetland Indicator Status
| Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
| Status: | FACU | UPL | FACU |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Bibliography
Bibref 1186 - Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America (2005) Covell, C.V., Jr.Bibref 1185 - Field Guide to Western Butterflies (Peterson Field Guides) (1999) Opler, P.A. and A.B. Wright
Bibref 946 - Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful Native Landscapes (2002) Wasowski, Sally
Search More Titles in Bibliography
From the Archive
Wildflower Newsletter 1986 VOL. 3, NO.3 - Fall Planting Tips, Growth Provides Enthusiasm, 1985 Financial Facts, Gathering ...Additional resources
USDA: Find Pinus ponderosa in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Pinus ponderosa in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Pinus ponderosa
Metadata
Record Modified: 2021-02-04Research By: TWC Staff