Pinus contorta var. murrayana

Common Names

Sierra Lodgepole Pine, Lodgepole Pine, Sierra-Cascade Lodgepole Pine, Tamarack Pine, Murrayana Pine

Summary

Native to western North America, including the Cascade Range from southern Washington through Oregon to California, with Sierra Nevada and Klamath Mountains distribution and Baja California populations, Sierra lodgepole pine is a tall evergreen conifer with a straight trunk and a mostly conic crown. It features scaly bark in orange- to purple-brown tones; needles in bundles of two measure 5–8 cm long and 1–2 mm wide; seed cones are 2–6 cm, nearly symmetric and mostly spreading, maturing in about two years and releasing wind-dispersed seeds. It occurs in montane to subalpine forests at elevations roughly 400–3,500 m and is noted as the tallest and best-formed variety of its species.

In cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, with drought tolerance once established; water deeply 1–2 times in summer and avoid overwatering. It is hardy to USDA zones 5a–9b, deer resistant, and tolerant of wind and snow; landscape uses include privacy screens, focal specimens, and bonsai. Seeds are wind-dispersed with viability around 72–77%, cones mature in about two years, and post-fire regeneration from wind-dispersed seeds is typical; common pests include annosus root disease on dry sites and lodgepole dwarf mistletoe.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

50-100 feet

Spread

20-25 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates partial sun and partial shade.

Soil Type

Acidic, well-drained soil, pH 5.1–5.3

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

5.1-5.3, Acidic

Bloom Color

Brown, Golden Yellow, orange-red

Bloom Time

Spring to Fall

Foliage Color

Yellow-green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen needle

Growth Rate

Rapid juvenile growth, 16–20 inches per year

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds