Photo of Pinus contorta form, young plant by MPF

Photo by MPF

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Pinus contorta

Also Known As

  • Pinus contorta var. contorta
  • Lodgepole Pine
  • Shore Pine

Plant type

tree, shrub, conifer

size

  • H: 15'-35'
  • W: 15'-35'

planting zones

  • 5a-9b

More Options

Pinus contorta plant details

Pinus contorta is an evergreen conifer shrub or tree with green foliage. Features glossy texture. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - low water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something humidity tolerant, seaside / salt tolerant, verticillium wilt resistant and wind tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Pinus contorta

Plant type: conifer shrub or tree
Plant family: pinaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 15 FT - 35 FT - wide, 15 FT - 35 FT - tall
Uses: windbreak, woodland garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Pinus contorta

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - low
Resistant to: deer, humidity, seaside / salt, verticillium wilt and wind
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Growth Rate medium
native to the Pacific Northwest. Grows as a scrub tree and makes a nice speciman in a woodland garden. No two trees look alike. Rarely does this evergreen conifer achieve a straight trunk. Branches bear needles in bundles of 2. These needles are typically 1”-3" long, stout, somewhat flattened and often appear twisted along their length. Tough tree that tolerates wind and salt spray.
Endemic to a narrow coastal area of California near Mendocino, these pines are often shrubby in their natural, windy habitats,but in less extreme, garden conditions, they can reach 15-20 ft tall and wide. A two-needle pine with short, narrow needles in this variety and knobby, open cones, these trees are endangered in their natural habitat. Preferring full sun and good drainage, they are adapted to summer water. Frost hardy in USDA zone 8 and best with protection from winter winds.
Evergreen, compact needles to two inches long, dark brown bark small cones to two inches. Zone 7-9. 15'-35', PNW, sun, moist to dry soil.
Brave enough; tough enough for the furies of the Pacific coastline (CA up to AK) to form a small picturesque tree, inland this survivor's vigor ; adaptability allow it to thrive (to 30-70') in the very worst sites. Sun/Med
2 needle pine, tolerant of wind, wet and dry areas. Okay in large containers. Great Plant Pick for the NW. Deer resistant. Zones 6-8.
This is the beautiful pine that grows along the coast of Oregon and Washington. It has relatively short needles and a good full growth habit. It grows to an attractive medium sized tree. Grown from seed.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Gardening facts about Pinus contorta plant

How to Grow Pinus contorta

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - low
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • humidity tolerant
    • seaside / salt tolerant
    • wind tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • deer resistant
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy
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