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Name: Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa)
Campus Location: West side of Heintz Center
One way to distinguish between different pine species is by the number of needles per cluster. The Ponderosa pine has 3 or 2 needles per cluster. It is one of two pine species that cannot make up its mind about needle count. This pine thrives under a variety of conditions and soils from low elevations to high altitude. It is salt tolerant, drought resistant, and shade intolerant. Ponderosa pine has a moderate growth rate developing an irregular crown. Its long needles give it a somewhat shaggy appearance. Most pines are best used in large scale landscape plantings, such as parks, golf courses, commercial property, and public buildings. Native to western North America this pine furnishes more timber than any other pine and is second only to Douglas fir in total annual timber production.
Updated: March 2, 2012 1:40 PM
