Botanical Name: Pinus ponderosa Add
Common Name: Ponderosa Pine  
Plant photo of: Pinus ponderosa
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California Native Plant
  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Tree, Conifer

 

Height Range

40-60', 60-100', 100' and up

 

Flower Color

n/a

 

Flower Season

n/a

 

Leaf Color

Green, Dark Green, Yellow Green

 

Bark Color

Brown, Red

 

Fruit Color

Brown

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Very Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Formal, Japanese, Ranch, Seascape, Wild Garden, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Specimen, Unusual Shape

 

Seasonal Interest

n/a

 

Location Uses

Background, Lawn, Park, Roadside

 

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Screen, Mass Planting, Wind Break, Shade Tree, Fire Resistant

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Bonnie Rose
Photographer: Betsy Thompson
  • Description

  • Notes

Defining this tree are bundles of dark yellow-green needles, which form tufts near the end of the branches. Its cones are ovular, and the bark of the young tree is a dark brown or black color. The shade of the bark changes as the tree matures, and becomes a reddish-orange color with irregular, scaly plates. This variety is known to grow 300 to 600 years.
This pine is an important timber tree and can be used as a bonsai or large pot plant during youth. They are very hardy, but do not perform well in the desert heat and wind. Its soil need not be rich, simply well-drained.