Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta)

Lodgepole Pine

(Pinus contorta)

Jim Morefield from Nevada, USA

CC BY-SA 2.0

Image By: Jim Morefield from Nevada, USA

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Jim Morefield from Nevada, USA | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0 | Uploader: Ser Amantio di Nicolao | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Lodgepole_Pine_Pinus_contorta_ssp._murrayana,_near_Mammoth_Lakes,_Sierra_Nevada,_CA_(16594874760).jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description ={{en|1=Location taken: the New York Botanical Garden. Names: Rumohra adiantiformis (G. Forst.) Ching, Iron Fern, Leather Fern, Lea

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Pinus contorta, commonly known as lodgepole pine, shore pine, twisted pine, and contorta pine, is an evergreen conifer native to western North America. It is typically found in two distinct habitats: coastal shore pine forests and drier montane regions, extending to the subalpine zone, but it is not common in lowland rain forests. Lodgepole pine usually grows to a height of 25-45 feet and a width of 20-35 feet, with a narrow, conical crown that becomes irregular with age. The species is well adapted to thrive in a variety of soils, from sandy and rocky substrates to well-drained mountain slopes.

Lodgepole pine is valued for its adaptability to a range of soil conditions and its ability to grow in both full sun and partial shade. It requires medium amounts of water and can tolerate various drainage levels. This pine is often used for reforestation projects due to its fast growth rate and is also popular in ornamental plantings for its unique form. However, its potential for invasiveness should be considered before planting outside its native range. In its natural setting, lodgepole pine plays a crucial role in forest ecology, providing habitat and food for wildlife. It is susceptible to mountain pine beetle infestations and can be affected by fungal diseases such as rusts.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree
Height: 25-45 feet
Width: 20-35 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Coastal shore pine forests and drier montane regions extending to the subalpine zone

Other Names

Common Names: Shore Pine , Tamarack Pine , Contorta Pine , Twisted Pine , Scrub Pine , Borovice Pokroucená , Klit-Fyr , Dreh-Kiefer , Drehkiefer , Kontortamänty

Scientific Names: Pinus contorta , Pinus contorta var. bolanderi

GBIF Accepted Name: Pinus contorta Douglas ex Loudon