Overview
Pinus radiata is an evergreen conifer reaching 60-100 feet (18-30 m) tall with a spread of 25-40 feet (7.6-12 m) and a broadly conical to irregularly rounded crown. A three-needle pine, the needles are 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, bright green, flexible, densely packed, in fascicles of 3. The cones are asymmetric, 3-6 inches (8-15 cm), lopsided, with rounded bumps on the outer scales, serotinous in some populations, persisting in whorls on the tree for years. Growth rate is very fast—among the fastest-growing pines, adding 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) per year in favorable conditions. Hardy to zone 7. Native to only three tiny mainland populations in central California plus two island populations—one of the most restricted natural ranges of any pine—yet the most widely planted pine in the world for timber plantations in the Southern Hemisphere (New Zealand, Australia, Chile, South Africa, Spain).
Native Range
Pinus radiata is native to the central California coast—only three small mainland populations: Año Nuevo, Monterey Peninsula, and Cambria—plus Guadalupe and Cedros Islands off Baja California. Total native range covers approximately 25,000 acres (10,000 ha).Suggested Uses
Planted as a fast-growing screen, windbreak, or specimen in maritime climates at 20-30 foot (6-9 m) spacing. The fastest-growing pine available. Dense green foliage. Restricted native range—conservation interest. Short-lived for a pine. Susceptible to pine pitch canker. Not suitable for hot inland climates, small gardens, or sites where long-term permanence is required.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height60' - 100'
Width/Spread25' - 40'
Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years
Bloom Information
Male strobili shed pollen in February-March. Female cones mature in 2 years to 3-6 inches (8-15 cm), asymmetric, variably serotinous, persisting in whorls on tree.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Male strobili Feb-Mar; female cones asymmetric lopsided 3-6 inches with rounded bumps; variably serotinous; persist in whorlsFoliage Description
Bright green; flexible needles 4-6 inches in fascicles of 3; densely packedGrowing 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