Rocky Mountain Lodgepole Pine
(Pinus contorta var. latifolia)
Rocky Mountain Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia)
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Matt Lavin
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Matt Lavin
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Matt Lavin | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: Matt Lavin | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Pinus contorta var. latifolia, commonly known as Rocky Mountain Lodgepole Pine, is an evergreen tree native to subalpine and montane regions, as well as dry forests and coastal areas in the Western United States and Canada. It is particularly adapted to thrive in areas with poor soil conditions and can often be found in pure stands after disturbances such as fire. This species typically grows to a height of 30-100 feet and a width of 10-15 feet, with a narrow, conical form that becomes more irregular with age. The tree’s needles are bright green, occurring in bundles of two, and its cones are small, often remaining closed for years until the heat from a fire opens them.
Rocky Mountain Lodgepole Pine is valued for its adaptability to a range of soil types and its ability to regenerate after forest fires, making it an important species for reforestation projects. It is also used for timber and as a Christmas tree. In cultivation, it is best suited for large open spaces due to its size and prefers full sun exposure. It has low to medium water requirements and tolerates soils with slow or medium drainage. While it is not known for showy flowers, it does produce cones that can add interest to the landscape.CC BY-SA 4.0
Rocky Mountain Lodgepole Pine is valued for its adaptability to a range of soil types and its ability to regenerate after forest fires, making it an important species for reforestation projects. It is also used for timber and as a Christmas tree. In cultivation, it is best suited for large open spaces due to its size and prefers full sun exposure. It has low to medium water requirements and tolerates soils with slow or medium drainage. While it is not known for showy flowers, it does produce cones that can add interest to the landscape.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 6-100 feet
- Width: 3-15 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Subalpine and montane regions, dry forests, and coastal areas in the Western United States and Canada
Other Names
Common Names: Brednålet Fyr , Vanlig Contortatall
Scientific Names: Pinus contorta var. latifolia , Pinus contorta subsp. latifolia , Pinus contorta var. yukonensis , Pinus bourcieri , Pinus boursieri , Pinus contorta var. bourcieri , Pinus contorta var. hendersonii , Pinus divaricata var. hendersonii , Pinus divaricata var. latifolia , Pinus divaricata var. musci
GBIF Accepted Name: Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm.