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Pinus coulteri
D.Don
Coulter Pine
Pinaceae
Pinus coulteri is a coniferous tree in the family Pinaceae. It is native to dry areas in California and Baja California.
Description
Pinus coulteri is a small to medium tree, growing up to 20 to 25 m with a trunk that grows up to 0.8 to 1 m wide. It forms a generally conical crown, with branches that are slender and gently arching upwards. Needles are stiff and straight, typically 20 to 30 cm in bundles of 3. They are dull green with conspicuous white bands (which are stomata) on all three sides of the leaves, and they persist on the tree for 3 to 4 years. Sheaths are 20 to 40 mm long, and are persistent. Buds are 15 to 30 mm long, and are resinous. The bark is dark brown to grayish brown, divided into deep, dark furrows. The stout twigs are reddish brown and covered with a layer of pale wax. Pollen cones are 20 to 25 mm, dark yellowish brown. Seed cones are about 20 to 30 cm long, egg-shaped, and 3 cm long. They are yellowish green, ripening to yellowish or light brown. Cones have 120 to 240 scales that are thick and woody; the exposed face is long, thick, and triangular, becoming a curved claw-like shape at the end. These cones open widely to release their seeds and often stay on the tree for several years. Seeds are typically 12 to 18 mm long, with an easily detachable wing that is 18 to 30 mm long (Eckenwalder 2009).
The distinctive cones of Pinus coulteri are the heaviest among the genus and can weigh up to two kilograms. Its close relative, gray pine (Pinus sabiniana) typically has smaller cones and drooping needles (Eckenwalder 2009).
The distinctive cones of Pinus coulteri are the heaviest among the genus and can weigh up to two kilograms. Its close relative, gray pine (Pinus sabiniana) typically has smaller cones and drooping needles (Eckenwalder 2009).
Uses
Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
Pinus coulteri has edible seeds, although they are not grown commercially. Its large cones are sometimes collected and sold as decorations (Farjon 2013).
Distribution
Pinus coulteri is native to dry, rocky slopes, sometimes on chaparral, most typically at altitudes between 900 and 1800 m. It is native from west-central California south to northern Baja California (Eckenwalder 2009).
Status
Pinus coulteri is listed on the IUCN Red List as "Near Threatened". It has a limited distribution, and in the future, it may face (or is already facing) declines, caused by changes in fire frequencies (Farjon 2013).
References
Eckenwalder, J. E. 2009. Conifers of the world: the complete reference. Portland: Timber Press.
Farjon, A. 2013. Pinus coulteri. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42352A2974687.en.
Farjon, A. 2013. Pinus coulteri. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42352A2974687.en.
Description
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