Pinus contorta var. contorta contorta, Shore Pine
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Coniferous Trees

Pinus contorta var. contorta contorta

Shore Pine

Pinaceae

Pacific Coast from Alaska south through BC, Washington, Oregon to northern California; sea level to moderate elevations; coastal dunes, bogs, wet flats, and windswept headlands

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height20-50 feet (6-15 m)
Width10-20 feet (3-6 m)
Maturity40 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 8
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Native to North America
Maintenancevery low

Overview

A small to medium-sized, evergreen conifer in the family Pinaceae, native to the Pacific Coast from Alaska south through British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon to northern California — the coastal variety of the widespread lodgepole pine complex. The species epithet contorta means 'twisted,' referring to the needles twisted at the base; in coastal conditions the branches and trunk also develop the gnarled, irregular forms that give the shore pine its distinctive character. Pinus contorta var. contorta (shore pine) differs from the inland variety latifolia (lodgepole pine) in its denser, more irregular, often asymmetrical crown — shaped by coastal winds and salt spray — compared to the tall, straight, narrowly columnar form of the inland variety. The needles are in fascicles of two, short — 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) — dark yellowish-green, stiff, and twisted at the base. The cones are small, 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long, asymmetric at the base, armed with small prickles, and typically serotinous — remaining closed on the tree for many years and persisting as clusters of old cones on branches, opening gradually or more rapidly with heat. Shore pine tolerates difficult coastal conditions including salt spray, sandy soils, wet to poorly drained soils, and constant wind, where few other conifers succeed. Grows 20–50 feet (6–15 m) tall in the landscape. Non-toxic.

Native Range

Native to the Pacific Coast from Alaska south through British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon to northern California, from sea level to moderate elevations.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen, windbreak, coastal stabilizer, or forest restoration tree at 10–20 foot (3–6 m) spacing in coastal PNW settings, dune stabilization plantings, and bog or wet soil conditions where most conifers fail. The naturally sculptural, wind-shaped form is ornamentally distinctive. Excellent for coastal native gardens and educational landscapes demonstrating coastal conifer adaptations, serotinous cone ecology, and the lodgepole pine complex. Of educational value for demonstrating intraspecific variation — comparing shore pine (coastal, irregular) with lodgepole pine (inland, straight).

How to Identify

Identified as a small to medium evergreen conifer with needles in fascicles of two (a pair), short — 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) — dark yellowish-green, stiff, and twisted at the base (contorta = 'twisted'). The small, asymmetric, prickle-armed cones 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) often persist in clusters on branches for many years, remaining closed (serotinous). The dense, irregular, often wind-sculpted crown with persistent old cone clusters on branches is characteristic of the coastal variety. Distinguished from inland lodgepole pine (var. latifolia) by the denser, more irregular crown versus the tall, straight, narrowly columnar form; from other two-needled PNW pines by the short needles, asymmetric cones, and coastal habitat.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height20' - 50'
Width/Spread10' - 20'

Reaches mature size in approximately 40 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow
brown

Foliage Colors

green
yellow

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Wind-pollinated; male cones small, yellowish, cylindrical, borne in clusters at twig bases in late April–May, releasing pollen. Female cones ripen over two seasons into small, asymmetric, prickle-armed brown cones 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) that often remain closed (serotinous) on branches for many years. Seeds eaten by crossbills, Clark's nutcrackers, and other birds. Provides important habitat and nesting cover for numerous bird species in coastal areas.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

wind-pollinated; small yellowish male cones at twig bases April–May; small asymmetric prickle-armed brown cones 1–2 inches — SEROTINOUS, persisting in clusters on branches for many years, opening gradually or with heat; crossbill and bird food

Foliage Description

dark yellowish-green; needles in pairs (fascicles of 2), short 1–2 inches, stiff, twisted at base (contorta = 'twisted'); dense irregular often asymmetrical crown — shaped by coastal wind and salt spray; characteristic of coastal var. vs. tall straight inland lodgepole (var. latifolia)

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range4.5 - 7.0(Acidic)
357912
Soil Types
sandloampeat
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

20-40 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in well-drained to wet, acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 4.5–7.0. Among the most adaptable coastal conifers for difficult PNW conditions — tolerates sandy soils, wet to poorly drained soils, salt spray, and constant coastal winds. Does not require rich soils; performs well in nutrient-poor conditions. Drought-tolerant once established in coastal settings. Not recommended for hot, dry inland sites. No fertilizer needed.

Pruning

No pruning required. Allow the naturally irregular, wind-sculpted form to develop — this is the ornamental character of the shore pine. Remove dead branches if needed in late fall or winter. Avoid shaping, which removes the characteristic natural form.

Pruning Schedule

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winter

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic
Pinus contorta var. contorta (Shore Pine) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef