Overview
Pinus lambertiana is an evergreen conifer reaching 100-200 feet (30-60 m) tall in the wild with a spread of 30-50 feet (9-15 m) and a narrowly conical crown becoming flat-topped and irregularly spreading with great age. The tallest pine species in the world—wild specimens exceed 200 feet (60 m). A five-needle pine (subgenus Strobus), the needles are 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) long, blue-green with white stomatal lines, slightly twisted, in fascicles of 5. The cones are the longest of any pine—pendant, cylindrical, 10-20 inches (25-50 cm) long, with thin, rounded scales that open widely at maturity. The bark is cinnamon-brown, developing deep furrows and broad ridges on old trees. The sap is sweet (lambertiana refers to Aylmer Bourke Lambert; common name from the sugary resin). Growth rate is slow to moderate. Hardy to zone 5. Highly susceptible to white pine blister rust—populations severely reduced. Too large for most gardens.
Native Range
Pinus lambertiana is native to the mountains of western North America—from southern Oregon through the Cascades, Klamath Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and Coast Ranges to northern Baja California—at 3,000-10,000 feet (900-3,000 m) in mixed conifer forests.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen in large rural or park settings at 30-50 foot (9-15 m) spacing. The tallest pine species and the longest cones of any pine. Sweet resin. Cinnamon bark. Highly susceptible to blister rust. Far too large for residential gardens. Not suitable for small sites, urban conditions, or areas near Ribes.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height100' - 200'
Width/Spread30' - 50'
Reaches mature size in approximately 60 years
Bloom Information
Male strobili shed pollen in May-June. Female cones mature in 2 years to 10-20 inches (25-50 cm)—the longest cones of any pine—pendant, cylindrical, opening widely.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Male strobili May-Jun; female cones pendant cylindrical 10-20 inches—longest of any pine; thin rounded scales; 2-year maturationFoliage Description
Blue-green with white stomatal lines; slightly twisted needles 3-4 inches in fascicles of 5Growing 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