Western White Pine

(Pinus monticola)

Western White Pine (Pinus monticola)

Public domain

Image By: Public domain

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: Public domain | License Type: Public domain | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/public-domain/ | Uploader: MPF | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Pinus_monticola0.jpg | Notes: Maritime Pine (''Pinus pinaster'') - Landes, France, from wp:en, {{PD}} |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Pinus monticola, commonly known as Western White Pine, is an evergreen tree native to the mountainous regions of the Western United States and British Columbia, including the Sierra Nevada, the Cascades, and the Rocky Mountains. It thrives in subalpine and montane forests, often forming pure stands or mixing with other conifers. This species can reach impressive sizes, regularly growing to 30–50 meters (98–164 ft) and exceptionally up to 70 meters (230 ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 2 meters (6.6 ft). The Western White Pine’s needles are in fascicles of five, typical of the white pine group, with a deciduous sheath. Its branches are arranged in regular whorls, which are more pronounced in trees grown in dense stands. Mature trees feature a distinctive bark pattern that resembles a checkerboard of small, blocky units.

The Western White Pine is valued for its straight, tall growth habit and its ability to adapt to a range of soil conditions, including poor, rocky soils. It is often used in reforestation projects and as a specimen tree in large gardens and parks. The tree’s ability to grow in full sun to part shade and its moderate water requirements make it suitable for various landscape settings. However, it is susceptible to white pine blister rust, a serious fungal disease, and care should be taken to plant resistant cultivars where this disease is prevalent. Additionally, the tree is not recommended for small gardens due to its large size and potential for root system expansion.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree
Height: 36-75 feet
Width: 18-24 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden

Natural Habitat

Subalpine and montane forests in the Western United States and British Columbia

Other Names

Common Names: Idaho White Pine, Mountain White Pine, Silver Pine, California Mountain Pine, Westliche Weymouthskiefer, Gebirgsstrobe, Westliche Weymouths-Kiefer, Pin Argenté, Pin Blanc De L’Ouest, Pin Montagnard

Scientific Names: , Pinus monticola, Pinus strobus subsp. monticola, Pinus grozelierii, Pinus monticola f. porphyrocarpa, Pinus monticola var. digitata, Pinus monticola var. minima, Pinus monticola var. porphyrocarpa, Pinus porphyrocarpa, Pinus strobus var. monticola

GBIF Accepted Name: Pinus monticola Douglas ex D.Don