Torrey pine is an unusual native plant that typically grows bigger - often much bigger - when planted AWAY from their historical native habitat. These incredibly tough and drought-adapted trees grow natively in difficult growing conditions, and remain stunted and picturesque in such locations.

But, as noted for many decades in the Sunset Western Garden Book, Torrey pine can grow to great size when planted on good sites far from their home ground. Included here are images showing many large specimens in diverse planting locations, all hundreds of miles north of native Torrey pine range.

If you are considering planting Torrey pine, there are some things to keep in mind. First, Torrey pine will eventually rot and fail if they receive direct spray irrigation at the base of the tree for decades, as learned in the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.

Further, Torrey pine will naturalize in favorable locations, such as Santa Cruz, as shown in the images. Finally, Torrey pine grows to be a large tree if planted in favorable circumstances, and, if planted in groups, sufficient space should be given to allow for normal canopy development

And, of course, Torrey pines can make big cones, so plant them in wide open areas where the cones won't cause trouble. Like say your local CalTrans freeway cloverleaf interchange...