Western White Pine
Pinus monticola
Also listed as Pinus porphyrocarpa, Strobus monticola
Also known as Mountain White Pine, Silver Pine, Idaho White Pine
Climate Match for your location
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A large coniferous evergreen tree native to high mountain regions of the Pacific Northwest, prized for its straight form and soft bluish-green needles. It grows best in cool climates with moderate moisture and full sun exposure.
Why grow it
Western white pine grows notably faster and taller than most other high-elevation pines in its range, making it useful for timber production or windbreaks in suitable climates. Its soft needles and open branching habit distinguish it from denser conifers like Douglas fir, offering different aesthetic and structural properties for landscape design. In cool, well-drained mountain soils, it typically outperforms competitors that demand warmer conditions.
Watch out for
This species has a lengthy establishment period and resents transplanting once mature, so early site selection matters considerably. Young trees benefit from shelter and consistent moisture during their first few years, particularly in drier microclimates within its range.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Pinaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest mountains (Washington, Oregon, northern California, Idaho, Montana)
Native to: California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A large coniferous evergreen tree native to high mountain regions of the Pacific Northwest, prized for its straight form and soft bluish-green needles. It grows best in cool climates with moderate moisture and full sun exposure.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Western White Pine grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Western white pine grows notably faster and taller than most other high-elevation pines in its range, making it useful for timber production or windbreaks in suitable climates. Its soft needles and open branching habit distinguish it from denser conifers like Douglas fir, offering different aesthetic and structural properties for landscape design. In cool, well-drained mountain soils, it typically outperforms competitors that demand warmer conditions.
Watch out for
This species has a lengthy establishment period and resents transplanting once mature, so early site selection matters considerably. Young trees benefit from shelter and consistent moisture during their first few years, particularly in drier microclimates within its range.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Pinaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest mountains (Washington, Oregon, northern California, Idaho, Montana)
Native to: California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
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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