Pinus torreyana
Torrey pine
Overview
Pinus torreyana is an evergreen coniferous tree native to a very small area of the southern California coast, growing 25-50 feet (7.5-15 m) tall, and taller in cultivation, with an open, often irregular or windswept crown. In exposed coastal sites it stays low and gnarled, while sheltered or planted trees grow straighter and broader. The stout gray-green needles are held five to a bundle and are 8-13 inches (20-33 cm) long, clustered toward the branch tips. The heavy, broadly egg-shaped cones are 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, take about three years to mature, and hold large hard-shelled edible seeds. The bark is reddish-brown and deeply furrowed. In the wild the species is restricted to dry sandstone bluffs and canyons near San Diego and on Santa Rosa Island, where it grows under regular coastal fog. It tolerates drought, wind, salt, and poor soil. Trees are long-lived, and the natural population numbers only a few thousand. Seeds are dispersed by birds and by gravity.
Native Range
Pinus torreyana is native to a small part of the southern California coast, with one population near San Diego and another on Santa Rosa Island. It grows on dry sandstone bluffs, ridges, and canyons within reach of regular coastal fog.Suggested Uses
Used as a specimen and shade tree in coastal and dryland landscapes in mild climates, and in habitat and conservation plantings within its range. The open windswept form suits large gardens, parks, and coastal sites. Its size and spreading roots keep it away from small yards and pavement.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height25' - 50'
Width/Spread20' - 40'
Reaches mature size in approximately 30 years
Colors
Bloom Information
As a conifer it produces pollen cones and seed cones rather than flowers, mainly in late winter to spring. Pollen is shed from small clustered male cones, while the woody seed cones take about three years to mature. Mature cones open to release the large seeds.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow-brown pollen conesFoliage Description
gray-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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun with six or more hours of direct light. Sharp drainage is essential, and sandy, rocky, or fast-draining soils suit it, while wet or heavy ground causes root problems. Once established it is drought-tolerant and withstands wind and coastal salt. It grows faster and larger in cultivation with occasional deep watering than on its harsh native bluffs. It is sensitive to overwatering and to fungal disease in humid inland conditions. Young trees are staked only where wind would uproot them.Pruning
Pruning is limited to removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter. The natural open, irregular form is kept rather than shaped. Lower limbs can be raised over time on trees grown for shade.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
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D
winter