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Pinus contorta var. latifolia (Rocky Mountain Lodgepole Pine)

Rocky Mountain Lodgepole Pine, Lodgepole Pine, Tall Lodgepole Pine, Black Pine

Pinus contorta var. latifolia, Rocky Mountain Lodgepole Pine, Evergreen Conifer, Evergreen Shrub, Evergreen Tree,

Pinus contorta var. latifolia (Rocky Mountain Lodgepole Pine) is a tall evergreen conifer of columnar habit with a long trunk and cone-shaped crown. Stiff and often twisted, yellow-green to dark green needles, 2-3 in. long (5-7 cm), are borne in pairs and persist 4 to 8 years on the tree. The small egg-shaped seed cones, up to 2 in. long (5 cm), are lustrous tan to pale red-brown and may never open since sealed with resin. Borne in pairs or clusters, they are twisted at the base and tend to point backwards. Their scales are noted for having a sharp prickle at their tips. The bark is orange to reddish-brown, thin and scaly. A slow to moderate grower, less than 24 in. per year (60 cm).

  • Grows up to 40-50 ft. tall and wide (12-15 m).
  • Performs best in full sun in acid or neutral, well-drained soils. Exists on a variety of soils and sites, including wet depressions.
  • No pruning required.
  • Keep an eye out for adelgids, aphids, sawflies, pine shoot moth and pine needle cast.
  • Propagate by seed.
  • Native from the coast of Alaska along the Pacific to northern California.

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 8
Heat Zones 6 - 8
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A3
Plant Type Conifers, Trees
Plant Family Pinaceae
Genus Pinus
Common names Black Pine, Lodgepole Pine, Pine
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 40' - 50'
(12.2m - 15.2m)
Spread 40' - 50'
(12.2m - 15.2m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Rocky Mountains, South Dakota, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Montana
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Pinus eldarica (Afghan Pine)
Pinus edulis (Pinyon Pine)
Pinus strobus ‘Contorta’ (Eastern White Pine)
Pinus sabiniana (California Foothill Pine)
Pinus pungens (Table Mountain Pine)
Pinus rigida (Pitch Pine)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 8
Heat Zones 6 - 8
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A3
Plant Type Conifers, Trees
Plant Family Pinaceae
Genus Pinus
Common names Black Pine, Lodgepole Pine, Pine
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 40' - 50'
(12.2m - 15.2m)
Spread 40' - 50'
(12.2m - 15.2m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Rocky Mountains, South Dakota, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Montana
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Pinus (Pine)
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Compare Now

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