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Pinus ponderosa
Douglas ex C.Lawson
Ponderosa Pine
Pinaceae
Pinus ponderosa is a coniferous tree in the family Pinaceae. It is widespread over much of western North America, and is an economically important timber tree.
Description
Pinus ponderosa is a fairly tall tree, growing up to 50, sometimes 75 m tall with a trunk that grows up to 2 to 2.8 m wide. It forms a conical to cylindrical crown. Branches are thick, horizontal, with leaves on the tips. Needles are straight or slightly twisted and stiff, typically 10 to 25 cm in bundles of 2 to 4, occasionally 5. They are yellowish to dark green with inconspicuous bands (which are stomata) on all sides of the leaves, and they persist on the tree for around 4 to 6 years. Sheaths are typically 1.5 to 3 cm long, of which the lowest bit is persistent. Buds are 1.2 to 2.5 cm long, and are very resinous. The bark is yellowish to reddish brown, thick, broken up into roughly rectangular plates. Twigs are orangish to reddish brown, rough from the bases of the leaves and are hairless. Pollen cones are 1.5 to 3.5 cm, yellowish brown or red. Seed cones are typically 5 to 15 cm long, broadly egg-shaped or nearly spherical, and on a thick stalk. They are green, ripening to yellowish brown or red. Cones have 75 to 120 scales that are paddle-shaped or rectangular, with the face being diamond-shaped with a strong, sharp prickle. These cones open widely to release their seeds and fall from the tree. Seeds are typically 5 to 7 mm long, with an easily detachable wing that is typically 12 to 20 mm long (Eckenwalder 2009).
The resin chemistry of Pinus ponderosa differs from that of its close relative, the Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi). Reportedly, this species has resin with 3-carene and limonene, giving it a turpentine-like odor, while Pinus jeffreyi lacks those compounds and has a pleasantly fruity scent (Eckenwalder 2009).
The resin chemistry of Pinus ponderosa differs from that of its close relative, the Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi). Reportedly, this species has resin with 3-carene and limonene, giving it a turpentine-like odor, while Pinus jeffreyi lacks those compounds and has a pleasantly fruity scent (Eckenwalder 2009).
Uses
Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
Pinus ponderosa is one of the most economically important timber trees, and certainly is the most economically valuable within its region (Eckenwalder 2009; Farjon 2013), and finds a wide variety of uses such as roundwood, pulp, and furniture (Farjon 2013). It can be cultivated as an ornamental, but is mostly restricted to large areas such as parks and arboreta (Farjon 2013). It is shade intolerant and grows in USDA zones 3 to 7 (MBG).
Distribution
Pinus ponderosa forms open forests on dry soils (Eckenwalder 2009), but otherwise can tolerate an extreme width of latitudes, altitudes, temperature, and soil pH. It grows at an altitude of anywhere up to 3300 m. It is native to western North America, in British Columbia of Canada; the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico of the United States; and the states of Coahuila and Sonora of Mexico (Farjon 2013).
Status
Pinus ponderosa is listed on the IUCN Red List as “Least Concern”. It is very abundant and widespread over much of western North America. However, because of selective logging and fire prevention, it may be at a disadvantage in managed forests (Farjon 2013).
References
Eckenwalder, J. E. 2009. Conifers of the world: the complete reference. Portland: Timber Press.
Farjon, A. 2013. Pinus ponderosa. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42401A2977432.en.
MBG (Missouri Botanical Garden), Pinus ponderosa. Plant Finder. [accessed 2022 Jul 25]. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c233
Farjon, A. 2013. Pinus ponderosa. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42401A2977432.en.
MBG (Missouri Botanical Garden), Pinus ponderosa. Plant Finder. [accessed 2022 Jul 25]. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c233
Description
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