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Family: Pinaceae
Common name: Ponderosa Pine
Other names: Western Yellow Pine, Bull Pine, Blackjack Pine
Pinus ponderosa, better known as the Ponderosa Pine, is one of the most widely distributed pines in western North America. The Ponderosa pine averages 100’ to 160’ in height with some exceeding 180’. They can also range from 2-4’ in diameter. Most Ponderosa pine trees grow to maturity and survive to about 125 years with some living as long 400-500 years. The Ponderosa pine is also the state tree of Montana.
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| Distribution |
| Pinus ponderosa is one of America’s most abundant tree species with a growth range of more than 35% of the total acreage of the United States (approximately 27 million acres of land). Some important areas include California, Oregon, Washington State, Arizona, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, and New Mexico. Ponderosa Pines prefer mountain terrains forming extensive forests, found in mixed coniferous forests. |
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| Climate |
| The typical climate of a Ponderosa pine includes annual amount of moisture and conditions favorable for frequent early summer fires. They can endure high temperatures and long periods of drought. Winters are usually mild followed by low humidity, arid summers. |
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| Bark |
| The bark of the Ponderosa pine has a sweet vanilla like smell and a straight trunk. When mature, the Ponderosa pine has distinctive orange brown bark that is deeply grooved and that protects the tree from ground fires. When young these trees have a black, rough, scaly trunk and often has an orange like smell. |
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| Cone |
| The cones are similar in color to the bark and are usually 3-6” long and 2-4” in diameter. They are usually narrow and oval or egged shaped with scales thicker towards the tip with a rigid prickle on the end. At maturity they can be non-serotinous or serotinous. |
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| Needles |
| The needles of the Pinus ponderosa are usually a dark yellow green color and occurs in bunches of 3. They are stout and stiff where the tips are pointed. The needles can be up to 10-20 cm long. |
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| Additional Resources |
| A great overall summary of this plant is available here in PDF form, and a full analysis can be found online here. |
| Brandon Butler, 2010 |
Image Credits:
http://www.cas.vanderbilt.edu/bioimages/species/frame/pipo.htm
http://esp.cr.usgs.gov/data/atlas/little/
http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/potd/2005/07/pinus_ponderosa_1.php |