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Pinus coulteri
Coulter pine
Southern California and northern Baja California (dry rocky slopes and chaparral at 3,000-7,500 ft / 900-2,300 m); named for Thomas Coulter, Irish botanist
Overview
Pinus coulteri is an evergreen conifer reaching 40-80 feet (12-24 m) tall with a spread of 20-40 feet (6-12 m) and a broadly conical to irregular, open crown. This three-needle California pine produces the heaviest cones of any pine species: ovoid cones 8-14 inches (20-36 cm) long and 5-8 inches (13-20 cm) wide, weighing 4-11 pounds (2-5 kg), with thick woody scales tipped in stout hooked claws 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long. Needles are 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) long — longer than those of most pine species — stiff, gray-green to blue-green, in fascicles of 3. Bark is thick, dark brown to blackish, and deeply furrowed into broad ridges. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy to USDA zone 8. Non-toxic. The weight and size of mature cones create a significant impact hazard when they fall; siting away from paths, seating, parked vehicles, and structures is a practical necessity rather than a choice, and workers pruning or climbing the tree during cone drop wear hard hats. Named for Thomas Coulter, Irish botanist.
Native Range
Pinus coulteri is native to southern California and northern Baja California, in dry rocky mountain slopes and chaparral at 3,000-7,500 feet (900-2,300 m).Suggested Uses
Used as a specimen in large open landscapes, botanical gardens, and park plantings in zones 8-10 at 25-35 foot (7.6-10.7 m) spacing, sited so that the drip line plus a clearance margin falls on open ground. The massive clawed cones are the distinguishing ornamental feature and a draw for arboreta and educational plantings. Drought tolerance suits California native plant gardens and xeriscape compositions. Falling mature cones at 4-11 pounds (2-5 kg) present an impact hazard that determines siting: the species is unsuitable for small gardens, near paths or parking areas, near pedestrian zones, or near any structure where a falling cone could strike a person or cause damage.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height40' - 80'
Width/Spread20' - 40'
Reaches mature size in approximately 40 years
Bloom Information
Male strobili shed pollen in April and May. Female cones mature over two growing seasons to the massive size of 8-14 inches (20-36 cm) long and 5-8 inches (13-20 cm) wide, weighing 4-11 pounds (2-5 kg). The hooked claw-tipped scales and the cone weight are both characteristic of this species and are not found in other Pinus spp..
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Male strobili shed pollen in April-May; female cones mature over 2 years to massive 8-14 inches (20-36 cm) long and 5-8 inches (13-20 cm) wide, weighing 4-11 pounds (2-5 kg), with stout hooked claw-tipped scalesFoliage Description
Gray-green to blue-green; stiff needles 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) long in fascicles of 3 — longer than those of most pine speciesGrowing 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