Pinus contorta var. latifolia latifolia
Lodgepole Pine
Rocky Mountains and interior ranges, Yukon to Colorado; 2,000–11,000 feet (600–3,350 m)Learn more
Overview
Pinus contorta var. latifolia is the inland variety of lodgepole pine, a slender, upright evergreen native to the Rocky Mountains and interior ranges of western North America. Trees reach 60–80 feet (18–24 m) tall and 15–25 feet (4.6–7.6 m) wide in their native range; in cultivation they typically reach 40–60 feet (12–18 m) tall. Growth rate is 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) per year under good conditions. The crown is narrow and conical, with a straight, slender trunk. Needles are in bundles of two, 1.5–3 inches (4–7.5 cm) long, twisted, yellow-green to dark green, densely clustered on branch tips. Bark is thin, gray-brown, and scaly. Cones are small, 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm), asymmetrical, serotinous — remaining closed on the tree for years and requiring heat to open for seed release, an adaptation to fire-prone ecosystems. Susceptible to mountain pine beetle, Dothistroma needle blight, and western gall rust in its native range; disease pressure is lower in Pacific Northwest lowland gardens.
Native Range
Pinus contorta var. latifolia is native to the Rocky Mountains and interior ranges from the Yukon south through British Columbia, Alberta, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado, at elevations of 2,000–11,000 feet (600–3,350 m) in subalpine forests and mountain slopes.Suggested Uses
Planted in naturalistic settings, screens, and windbreaks in larger landscapes, spaced 10–15 feet (3–4.6 m) apart. The narrow crown fits confined sites that cannot accommodate broader-crowned pines. The serotinous cones provide wildlife interest and ecological character in naturalistic plantings. Rapid growth relative to most pines provides screen height within 5–10 years.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height40' - 80'
Width/Spread15' - 25'
Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Male strobili are yellow, releasing pollen in May–June. Female cones are 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long, asymmetrical, serotinous, remaining closed and attached to branches for 5–20 years. In the absence of fire, old serotinous cones accumulate on branches; heat from fire or direct sun can trigger opening and seed release.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow (male strobili)Foliage Description
yellow-green to dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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