Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa
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Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) Ponderosa Pine is native throughout western North America. It is third in importance as a source of timber. In the landscape, Ponderosa Pine has a broadly columnar form when young, developing a rounded crown with age. Attaining a height of 40-70 ft. and a width of 25 ft., it is hardy to zone 3. The Ponderosa pine prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is fairly tolerant of drought, alkaline, and saline soils. No major insect or disease problems. Has low water needs. | |
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Needles are dark green, 5 to 10 inches long, and grow in bundles of two to three. | |
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Flowers are monoecious. Male flower cones are small, dark orange and often clustered near the ends of branches. Female flowers are dark purple in color, occuring singly or in pairs at the end of branches. | |
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Cones are 3 to 6 inches long, red-brown in color, and mature in August to September. | |
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Bark has deep furrows and cinnamon-colored plates. |
Photos: Judy Sedbrook
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