Lodgepole Pine
Pinus contorta
Also known as Shore Pine, Contorta Pine, Twisted Pine
Climate Match for your location
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A hardy coniferous evergreen tree native to western North America, known for its narrow pyramidal form and ability to thrive in poor soils and harsh mountain conditions. It produces small cones and dense foliage that ranges from green to yellowish-green.
Why grow it
Lodgepole pine tolerates poor, sandy, and acidic soils where many conifers struggle, making it useful for erosion control and slope stabilization in marginal sites. Its dense, columnar form provides excellent windbreaks and visual screening without requiring the deeper, richer soils that many other evergreens demand. Where native or in similar climates, it establishes quickly and requires minimal supplemental water once established.
Watch out for
This species can become quite tall (60-80 feet) and narrow, so plan for mature size carefully in confined spaces. Lodgepole pine foliage may yellow or brown during periods of drought stress or extreme cold, even if the tree survives; this discoloration typically recovers as conditions improve but is worth monitoring in the first few years.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Pinaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America
Native to: Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A hardy coniferous evergreen tree native to western North America, known for its narrow pyramidal form and ability to thrive in poor soils and harsh mountain conditions. It produces small cones and dense foliage that ranges from green to yellowish-green.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Lodgepole Pine grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Lodgepole pine tolerates poor, sandy, and acidic soils where many conifers struggle, making it useful for erosion control and slope stabilization in marginal sites. Its dense, columnar form provides excellent windbreaks and visual screening without requiring the deeper, richer soils that many other evergreens demand. Where native or in similar climates, it establishes quickly and requires minimal supplemental water once established.
Watch out for
This species can become quite tall (60-80 feet) and narrow, so plan for mature size carefully in confined spaces. Lodgepole pine foliage may yellow or brown during periods of drought stress or extreme cold, even if the tree survives; this discoloration typically recovers as conditions improve but is worth monitoring in the first few years.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Pinaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America
Native to: Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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