Coulter Pine

(Pinus coulteri)

Coulter Pine (Pinus coulteri)

Rick Sidwell

CC BY-SA 3.0

Image By: Rick Sidwell

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Rick Sidwell | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ | Uploader: MPF | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Crw_1691-web.jpg | Notes: == {{int:filedesc}} == {{Information |Description=Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, Scotland |Source=[https://www.flickr.com/photos/35142635@N05/8138019423/ Pinus koraiensis (Korean Pine)] |Date=2012-10-09 13:15 |Author=[https://www.flickr.com/people/35... |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Pinus coulteri, commonly known as Coulter Pine, is an evergreen tree native to the dry, mountainous regions of Southern California and Northern Baja California, often found in mixed evergreen forests, chaparral, and foothill woodlands. It can grow to a height of 10–24 m (33–79 ft) with a trunk diameter of up to 1 m (3.3 ft). The tree has a distinctive form with a straight trunk and branches that are horizontal to upcurved, creating a somewhat irregular crown. The Coulter Pine is notable for its massive, spiny cones, which are among the heaviest of any pine, measuring 20–40 cm (7.9–15.7 in) long and 23 cm (9 in) wide, and weighing 2–5 kg (4.4–11.0 lb) when fresh. These cones have earned the tree the nickname "widowmakers" due to the potential hazard they pose when falling.

The Coulter Pine is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is also used for reforestation in its native range. The tree’s large cones are of interest to collectors and can be used decoratively. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade, low water once established, and well-drained soils. While it is not commonly afflicted by pests or diseases, its massive cones can pose a physical hazard. Gardeners should be cautious of its potential invasiveness outside its native range and check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree
Height: 60-80 feet
Width: 30-40 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

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

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., Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Dry, mountainous regions of Southern California and Northern Baja California in mixed evergreen forests, chaparral, and foothill woodlands

Other Names

Common Names: Big-Cone Pine, Big Cone Pine, Coulter’s Pine, Pitch Pine, Coulters Kiefer, Pino Colorado, Pino De Coulter, Pino De Piña Grande, Pino De Brea, Pin À Gros Cônes

Scientific Names: , Pinus coulteri, Pinus macrocarpa, Pinus coulteri var. diabloensis, Pinus ponderosa subsp. coulteri,

GBIF Accepted Name: Pinus coulteri D.Don