Species ponderosa pine
yellow-green, long needles with brown elongated cone

ponderosa pine

Pinus ponderosa

Also Known As - yellow pine
Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) is a species of pine tree native to Mexico, western USA, and western Canada. It is a large coniferous tree, with a large, conic crown and a broad, flat or ridged bark. Its needles are in bundles of 3 and are long and slender. Its cones are often curved and have a sharp pointed tip. It is a fast growing tree and can reach heights of up to 50 meters tall. It is also very hardy and is able to survive droughts and extreme temperatures. It is one of the most popular forestry products and is an important component of many habitats.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 7

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Sandy Loamy Rocky

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Ponderosa Pine should be watered deeply and thoroughly once per week, allowing the soil to dry out before watering again. During summer months, an additional watering may be necessary in drier climates. It's important to water the root system, not just the soil surface, so water slowly and evenly. Young plants may require more watering than mature trees. It is best to water in the early morning so that the soil has time to absorb the moisture and the needles will dry out during the day.

sunlight

Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) grows best in full sun, meaning the tree requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. This sunlight is essential for healthy growth and development, as it helps the tree to produce its own food, by photosynthesis. Depending on the region, ponderosa pine will receive the necessary sunlight during different times of the year. In Northern latitudes, sunlight is available for extended periods of time from late spring to early fall. In Southern latitudes, ponderosa pine may receive 6 hours of sunlight year-round.

pruning

Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) responds well to pruning. It's best to prune them during the late winter, when the tree is dormant. Pruning in the late winter reduces the risk of contracting diseases or pest infestations. For general maintenance, remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches, and take off any competing branches. Trim off any branches that are growing outside the desired shape or size of the tree. Prune to remove any crossing branches. Pruning during the late winter will help ensure that it is kept in good shape and will grow larger and thicker.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Ponderosa pine typically start flowering in April or May.

Hardiness Map