General: Pine Family (Pinaceae). Ponderosa pine is a large tree that lives 300 to 600 years and reaches heights of 30 to 50 m tall and 0.6 to 1.3 m in diameter. The oldest trees can exceed 70 m in height and 2 m in diameter. The bottom one-half of the straight trunk is typically without branches. The crown of ponderosa pine is broadly conical to round-shaped. The bark is characteristically orange-brown with a scaly plate-like appearance. Twigs are stout, up to 2 cm think, orange-brown, and rough. Needles are 12 to 28 cm long, thin and pointed with toothed edges, occur in bundles of three, and give a tufted appearance to the twig. Buds are up to 2 cm long, 1 cm wide, red-brown with white-fringed scale margins. Male cones are orange or yellow and are located in small clusters near the tips of the branches. The female cone is oval, woody, 8 to 15 cm long, with a small prickle at the tip of each scale. Flowering occurs from April to June of the first year, and cones mature and shed winged seeds in August and September of the second year.

Distribution: Ponderosa pine is distributed from southern British Columbia through Washington, Oregon, and California, and east to the western portions of Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. For current distribution, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Web site (http://plants.usda.gov).

Habitat: Ponderosa pine trees occur as pure stands or in mixed conifer forests in the mountains. It is an important component of the Interior Ponderosa Pine, Pacific Ponderosa Pine-Douglas fir, and Pacific Ponderosa Pine forest cover types.

In the northwest, it is typically associated with Rocky Mountain Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, grand fir, and western larch. In California it is associated with California white fir, incense cedar, Jeffrey pine, sugar pine, coast Douglas fir, California black oak, and western juniper. In the Rocky Mountains and Utah, it is associated with Rocky Mountain Douglas fir, blue spruce, lodgepole pine, limber pine, and quaking aspen. In the Black Hills, it is associated with quaking aspen, white spruce, and paper birch. In Arizona and New Mexico, it is associated with white fir, Rocky Mountain Douglas fir, blue spruce, quaking aspen, gamble oak, and southwestern white pine at higher elevations and Rocky Mountain juniper, alligator juniper, and Utah juniper at lower elevations (Oliver & Riker 1990).

Shrubs and grasses typically associated with ponderosa pine within its range include ceanothus, sagebrush, oak, snowberry, bluestem, fescue, and polargrass.

Big heavy, black jack, bull pine, ponderosa white pine, Sierra brown bark pine, silver pine, western pitch pine, western red pine, western yellow pine, yellow pine, Yosemite pine.

Pinus ponderosa P. Lawson & C. Lawson:
Canada (North America)
Mexico (Mesoamerica)
China (Asia)
United States (North America)

Canada

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

United States

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

Global Range: Ponderosa pine is the most widely distributed pine species in North America, ranging north-south from southern British Columbia to central Mexico and east-west from central Nebraska to the west coast (Howard 2003).

The USDA hardiness zones for ponderosa pine range from 3 to 7. It grows on a variety of soils from shallow to deep, and from gravelly sands to sandy clay loam. It is found growing on bare rock with its roots in the cracks and crevices. It has a low tolerance to alkalinity, preferring soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. It grows best in zones with 30 to 60 cm average annual precipitation on well-drained soils. Once established it also survives hot and dry conditions, exhibiting medium to good drought tolerance. Fifty percent shade reduces the growth rate significantly. It withstands very cold winters.

Ponderosa pine is a climax species at the lower elevations of the coniferous forest and a mid-successional species at higher elevations where more competitive conifers are capable of growing. It generally grows at elevations between sea level and 3,000 m. The populations at higher elevations usually occur within the southern part of its range (Oliver & Riker 1990).

Trees to 72m; trunk to 2.5m diam., straight; crown broadly conic to rounded. Bark yellow- to red-brown, deeply irregularly furrowed, cross-checked into broadly rectangular, scaly plates. Branches descending to spreading-ascending; twigs stout (to 2cm thick), orange-brown, aging darker orange-brown, rough. Buds ovoid, to 2cm, fully 1cm broad, red-brown, very resinous; scale margins white-fringed. Leaves 2--5 per fascicle, spreading to erect, persisting (2--)4--6(--7) years, 7--25(--30)cm ´ (1--)1.2--2mm, slightly twisted, tufted at twig tips, pliant, deep yellow-green, all surfaces with evident stomatal lines, margins serrulate, apex abruptly to narrowly acute or acuminate; sheath 1.5--3cm, base persistent. Pollen cones ellipsoid-cylindric, 1.5--3.5cm, yellow or red. Seed cones maturing in 2 years, shedding seeds soon thereafter, leaving rosettes of scales on branchlets, solitary or rarely in pairs, spreading to reflexed, symmetric to slightly asymmetric, conic-ovoid before opening, broadly ovoid when open, 5--15cm, mostly reddish brown, sessile to nearly sessile, scales in steep spirals (as compared to Pinus jeffreyi ) of 5--7 per row as viewed from side, those of cones just prior to and after cone fall spreading and reflexed, thus well separate from adjacent scales; apophyses dull to lustrous, thickened and variously raised and transversely keeled; umbo central, usually pyramidal to truncated, rarely depressed, merely acute, or with a very short apiculus, or with a stout-based spur or prickle. Seeds ellipsoid-obovoid; body (3--)4--9mm, brown to yellow-brown, often mottled darker; wing 15--25mm.

Pinus ponderosa is the most economically important western yellow pine. Its wood is more similar in character to the white pines, and it is often referred to as white pine. The taxonomy of this complex is far from resolved. 

 Ponderosa pine ( Pinus ponderosa ) is the state tree of Montana.

Tree, Evergreen, Monoecious, Habit erect, Trees without or rarely having knees, Tree with bark rough or scaly, Young shoots 3-dimensional, Buds resinous, Leaves needle-like, Leaves alternate, Needle-like leaf margins finely serrulate (use magnification or slide your finger along the leaf), Leaf apex acute, Leaves > 5 cm long, Leaves < 10 cm long, Leaves > 10 cm long, Leaves yellow-green above, Leaves yellow-green below, Leaves not blue-green, Needle-like leaves somewhat rounded, Needle-like leaves twisted, Needle-like leaf habit erect, Needle-like leaves per fascicle mostly 2, Needle-like leaves per fascicle mostly 3, Needle-like leaf sheath persistent, Twigs glabrous, Twigs viscid, Twigs not viscid, Twigs without peg-like projections or large fascicles after needles fall, Berry-like cones orange, Woody seed cones > 5 cm long, Seed cones bearing a scarlike umbo, Umbo with obvious prickle, Bracts of seed cone included, Seeds brown, Seeds yellow, Seeds winged, Seeds unequally winged, Seed wings prominent, Seed wings equal to or broader than body.

This species is economically important and is grown for its fine timber.

Trees to 70 m tall; trunk to 2.5 m d.b.h. in native range; bark yellow- to red-brown, deeply and irregularly furrowed into broadly oblong, scaly plates; crown broadly conical to rounded; branchlets orange-brown, aging darker, stout, rough; winter buds red-brown, ovoid, very resinous, scales white fringed at margin. Needles tufted at apex of branchlets, spreading to erect, (2 or)3(-5) per bundle, deep yellow-green, slightly twisted, 7-25(-30) cm × (1-)1.2-2 mm, pliant, stomatal lines present on all surfaces, base with persistent sheath 1.5-3 cm, margin serrulate. Seed cones solitary or rarely paired, sessile or subsessile, mostly reddish brown, broadly ovoid when open, symmetric or asymmetric, 5-15 cm, maturing in 2 years, then soon shedding seeds, leaving rosettes of scales on branchlets. Apophyses dull or lustrous, thickened, variously raised, cross keeled; umbo usually pyramidal or truncate, rarely depressed or with a reflexed prickle. Seeds brown or yellow-brown, often mottled darker, ellipsoid-obovoid, 3-9 mm; wing 1.5-2.5 cm.

Systems

• Terrestrial

Comments: Ponderosa pine occurs on a wide variety of soils, usually in open areas as it is intolerant of shade. Trees can grow in pure stands, especially at lower elevations where subject to frequent forest fires, or in mixed stands with Douglas-fir and western larch at higher elevations.

Cultivated. Henan (Jigong Shan), Jiangsu (Nanjing Shi), Jiangxi (Lu Shan), Liaoning [native to W North America]

Site preparation is needed to control competition, which compromises seedling survival and growth. Seeds are sown in late March to early April. The seed is sown for an initial density of 237 seedlings/m² (22 seedlings/ft²). Transplant stock should be one or two years old, with less than 2 prior transplantings, and 15 to 30 cm in height. Space the plants 1 to 3 m apart depending on the site.

Initial seedling survival is reduced under moisture stress. Older seedlings can tolerate limited moisture. Competition from other vegetation should be controlled for the first three to six years until the trees become well established.

Foodplant / parasite
aecium of Coleosporium asterum parasitises live Pinus ponderosa

Foodplant / parasite
pycnium of Cronartium flaccidum parasitises live branch of Pinus ponderosa

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 10
Species: 17
Species With Barcodes: 1

Canada

Rounded National Status Rank: N5 - Secure

United States

Rounded National Status Rank: N5 - Secure

Rounded Global Status Rank: G5 - Secure

Reasons: Widely distributed in mountainous regions from British Columbia far into Mexico (including northern Sonora and Chihuahua) and from California to Nebraska, in many places forming great forests. Grows in rather open forests, but forms fairly dense stands on the higher slopes. Harvested for timber, particularly in northern Sonora and Chihuahua where it occurs between 6000 and 8000 ft alt. As a native, long-lived tree species, few populations may be showing some decline, especially from increased severity of fire events and overharvesting in some areas, however the species is still considered common and wide-ranging.

Global Long Term Trend: Unknown

Comments: Pinus ponderosa arid-forest communities are predicted to expand into areas currently occupied by other conifer and grassland communities (Joyce et al. 2001).

Comments: Dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium spp.) is a serious disease of ponderosa pine with infection rates up to 33% in some areas (Howard 2003). Dwarf mistletoe alters tree form, suppresses growth, and reduces volume and overall wood quality of its host (Epp & Tardif 2004). Mountain pine beetles (Dendroctonus ssp.) and bark beetles (Ips spp.) are also serious pests of ponderosa pine with regular infestations occurring over centuries of time. However, beetle epidemics combined with environmental conditions such as prolonged drought has resulted in increased pine mortality in many regions (Howard 2003). Older age classes of ponderosa pine are being lost from stands (Howard 2003), however this doesn't represent a loss in genetic diversity in tree species (Hamrick 2004).

Approximately 200 insect species affect ponderosa pine from its cone stage to maturity. Pine cone beetles cause tree death by transmitting blue stain fungus to the tree. Their larvae also consume the phloem, restricting the flow of nutrients to the top of the tree.

Western pine beetle is a common cause of death for older trees, drought stressed trees, and even healthy, vigorous trees during epidemics.

Bark beetles are naturally present in all stands. Harvesting methods that leave large amounts of logging slash can allow bark beetle populations to explode and kill vigorous trees up to 0.5 m in diameter.

The ponderosa pine budworm, also known as the sugar-pine tortrix, eats new needles on trees in New Mexico and Colorado. Several years’ worth of damage will affect the health of the tree. Early research suggests that some insecticides may help to control infestations.

Dwarf mistletoe is the most widespread parasite that causes branch and stem deformation. It germinates on ponderosa pine branches and forces its roots into the phloem of the host branch, creating stem cankers that leave the wood weak and unsuitable for use as lumber. This weakens the tree and leaves it susceptible to fungal infections and insect attacks. Root diseases, rusts, trunk decays, and needle and twig blights also cause significant damage.

Biological Research Needs: More research still is needed on how forest management can reduce the incidence and spread of disease and pests. Research should be conducted if harvest intensity is exceeding capacity for regrowth.

Contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly Soil Conservation Service) office for more information. Look in the phone book under ”United States Government.” The Natural Resources Conservation Service will be listed under the subheading “Department of Agriculture.”

Ponderosa pine is propagated by seed. Cones are ready for collection in October and November when they turn reddish brown. Mature seed is firm and brown in color. Cones should be dried on canvas tarp in a well-ventilated area immediately after they have been collected. The seeds will drop from the cones as they dry.

Several germination methods for ponderosa pine have been utilized, each with their own variations. In general, seeds undergo an imbibation treatment before stratification. Seeds are placed in mesh bags and soaked in cold running water for 48 hours. One variation is to soak the seeds in a 40% bleach solution for 10 minutes with hand agitation prior to placing them under running water. The mesh bags are place in plastic bags and stored at 1^oC for 2 to 8 weeks. They should be checked daily for mold. Seeds are sown into containers and covered with media. The media should be kept moist throughout germination. Germination will occur at an average greenhouse temperature of 20^oC. Alternating greenhouse temperatures of 21-25^oC during the day and 16-18^oC at night is an appropriate environment for germinating seeds. Germination will occur in approximately 15 days.

Seedlings are thinned and watered daily throughout the establishment phase. They should not be moved outdoors until after the last frost of the year.

Seeds can be dried to between 5 and 8% moisture and placed in airtight plastic bags, then stored for long periods of time in freezers set at –15^oC.

Ponderosa pine can be over-irrigated in poorly drained soils, or drowned out on high water table sites.

It responds well to thinning, which should be done as stands become older to develop larger crowns, resulting in heavier seed crops for wildlife. More forage for deer and elk become available from associated plants by opening the canopy. The use of repellents or other control measures may be necessary to prevent overuse of the trees by rodents.

Ponderosa pine is resistant to fire due to its thick bark. Low intensity surface fires control competitive species like scrub oak and shade-tolerant conifers. Ponderosa pine seedlings can also survive low intensity burns.

Comments: One of the most important timber trees of northern Sonora and Chihuahua (Record and Hess, 1943).

Erosion control: Ponderosa pine is a rapid growing tree with the ability to firmly anchor into most soil types. For this reason, it is suitable for use as a windbreak species. It can also be used with other natives to provide cover and erosion control on rehabilitated sites.

Ethnobotanic: Native Americans used various parts of ponderosa pine for medicinal, building and

household, food, and ceremonial purposes. Needles were used as dermatological and gynecological aids.

They were also used to reduce coughs and fevers. The pitch was used as an ointment for sores and scabby skin, backaches, rheumatism, earaches, inflamed eyes, and as a sleeping agent for infants. The boughs of the plant were used in sweat lodges for muscular pain, as decoctions for internal hemorrhaging, and as infusions for pediatric treatments.

The roots of ponderosa pine were used to make blue dye and needles were used as insulation for underground storage pits. The wood was used extensively for fence posts, boards for general construction, and to fabricate snowshoes. Single logs were used to make dugout canoes. Bark was used to cover houses.

Most parts of the plant were used for food, including the pitch, seeds, cones, bark, buds, and cambium. The pollen and needles were used in healing ceremonies.

Ornamental value: Ponderosa pine has a lush green color and pleasant odor that makes it popular for ornamental plantings. It has been planted, sometimes out of its natural range, because of its aesthetic qualities. Ponderosa pine is used as borders of forested highways, but is not planted within the right-of-way. The large stature of the tree limits its use to open spaces.

Wildlife: Red-winged blackbirds, chickadees, mourning doves, finches, evening grosbeak, jays, Clark's nutcracker, nuthatches, rufous-sided towhee, turkeys, chipmunks and squirrels consume the seeds of ponderosa pine. Blue and spruce grouse use ponderosa pine needles for nesting material. Mice, porcupines, and other rodents use the bark for nesting material. The trees are also important to various birds for cover, roosting and nesting sites.

Wood production: Ponderosa pine is one of the most important timber species in the western United States. The annual production of ponderosa pine is ranked third behind Douglas fir and hem-fir. Approximately 1.3 billion board feet of ponderosa pine lumber is produced annually out of Oregon, the largest supplier in the United States. It is popularly used for the construction of buildings.

Comments: The taxonomy of the ponderosa pine complex is not completely resolved (Flora of North America 1993). There are morphological and distributional overlaps, and disagreement regarding the geographical boundaries of varieties of ponderosa pine. Hybridization also occurs between all three varieties. (Howard 2003).