Pinus monticola, Western White Pine
Coniferous Trees

Pinus monticola

Western White Pine

Pinaceae

Mountains of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, California; 1,000–7,500 feet (300–2,300 m)

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height60–100 feet (18–30 m)
Width20–35 feet (6–10.7 m)
Maturity25 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 8
Zone 3
Zone 4
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
Maintenancelow

Overview

Pinus monticola is a tall, straight-trunked evergreen pine native to the mountains of the Pacific Northwest and northern Rocky Mountains. Trees reach 60–100 feet (18–30 m) tall and 20–35 feet (6–10.7 m) wide in cultivation; growth rate is 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) per year on good sites. The crown is broadly conical to pyramidal when young, becoming more open and irregular with age. Needles are in bundles of five, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long, slender, flexible, blue-green with white inner surfaces, giving the foliage a soft, feathery texture. Cones are cylindrical, 5–11 inches (12.5–28 cm) long, slender, pendant, light brown, among the longest cones of North American pines. White pine blister rust, an introduced pathogen, has caused severe population decline in the wild; garden specimens in the Pacific Northwest are at risk, particularly where Ribes spp. are present. The species once dominated mid-elevation Pacific Northwest forests before rust arrived in the early 20th century.

Native Range

Pinus monticola is native to the mountains of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and California, growing at elevations of 1,000–7,500 feet (300–2,300 m). It is native to the Pacific Northwest.

Suggested Uses

Planted in large-scale naturalistic landscapes, parks, and restoration sites, spaced 20–30 feet (6–9 m) from adjacent plants. The eventual height of 60–100 feet (18–30 m) limits use to sites with adequate vertical clearance. The long pendant cones are a wildlife food source for squirrels and Clark's nutcrackers. Blister rust susceptibility requires ongoing monitoring in Pacific Northwest sites.

How to Identify

Pinus monticola is identified by five needles per fascicle, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long, slender, blue-green with white stomatal lines on the inner surface. The long, slender, pendant cones, 5–11 inches (12.5–28 cm), are distinctive among Pacific Northwest pines. Distinguished from P. strobus by the more blue-green needles and generally longer cones; distinguished from P. lambertiana by the shorter needles and smaller cones.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height60' - 100'
Width/Spread20' - 35'

Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow
red

Foliage Colors

blue green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SpringSummer
Male strobili are yellow to reddish, releasing pollen in May–June. Female cones are cylindrical, 5–11 inches (12.5–28 cm) long, pendant, ripening from green to light brown in the second season, opening in late summer to release small winged seeds. Cone production begins at 10–20 years.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow to reddish (male strobili)

Foliage Description

blue-green

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 - 6.5(Acidic)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandrocky
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

20–30 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water weekly during the first two growing seasons; established trees tolerate moderate drought. Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils; tolerates rocky and sandy substrates but performs poorly in heavy clay or waterlogged conditions. White pine blister rust is the primary disease threat; remove Ribes plants (currants, gooseberries) within 1,000 feet (300 m) to reduce alternate host presence. Blister rust cankers on the main stem are fatal; branch cankers can be pruned out if caught early. Some rust-resistant seedling selections are available from Pacific Northwest seed sources. Pine white butterfly larvae consume needles but rarely cause lasting harm.

Pruning

No pruning is required for natural form. Dead branches can be removed at any time. The central leader develops naturally and does not require training. On young trees, rust cankers on branches should be removed promptly, cutting 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) below visible discoloration. Pruning into old wood without live foliage is not productive.

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic