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Pinus monticola
Douglas ex D.Don
Western White Pine
Pinaceae
Pinus monticola is a large coniferous tree species in the family Pinaceae. It is native to western North America, and is widely used for lumber and matchsticks. It is the state tree of Idaho (FNAEC 1993).
Description
Pinus monticola is a tall evergreen tree that grows up to 70 m tall, straight, conical in outline with numerous large branches in whorls. Leaves are thin, 4 to 10 cm long in bundles of 5. They are blue-green with a white band (which are stomata) on the inside, and persist on the tree for 3 to 4 years. They are straight, very finely toothed and end in a sharp point. The sheaths are 1 to 1.5 cm long and are not persistent. The bark is gray-brown, with vertical plates, a bit scaly. Male cones are small, yellow, 1.0 to 1.5 cm and round. Seed cones are 10 to 25 cm long, cylindrical or tapering and slightly curved. Cones are found in clusters hanging on 2 cm long stalk. They are pale brown and have numerous scales that are thin, curved, and smooth (i.e. without prickles). They often have splotches of white resin on the tips of scales. These cones mature after 2 years in the fall, then release their seeds and fall from the tree (FNAEC 1993).
Pinus monticola is similar to the sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana), a similar but larger tree with much larger cones and sugary resin that exudes from its trunk. Another similar species, the eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), is native to eastern North America and has shorter cones (Kershner et al. 2008).
Pinus monticola is similar to the sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana), a similar but larger tree with much larger cones and sugary resin that exudes from its trunk. Another similar species, the eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), is native to eastern North America and has shorter cones (Kershner et al. 2008).
Uses
Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
Like its eastern cousin, this species is an important timber tree. Its high-quality wood finds use in interior construction, furniture, toothpicks, and especially matches. However, it is not used much for ornament (FNAEC 1993).
Distribution
Pinus monticola is common in mostly coniferous forests (Farjon 2013). It grows in lower, foggy areas as well as montane places, at an altitude of up to 3000 m. It is native to California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Alberta, Idaho, and Montana (FNAEC 1993).
Status
Pinus monticola is listed on the IUCN Red List as "Near Threatened". While the species has a wide range, it is threatened by logging, and is susceptible to white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola), an introduced pathogen. It is also reliant on fire, which allows it to regenerate, and fire suppression is limit to its reproduction (Farjon 2013).
References
Farjon, A. 2013. Pinus monticola. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42383A2976604.en.
FNAEC (Flora of North America Editorial Committee), editor. 1993. Flora of North America, north of Mexico. Volume 2: Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. New York: Oxford University Press.
Kershner, B., Tufts, C., Nelson, G., Spellenberg, R., Purinton, T., Block, R., Moore, G., and Thieret, J. W. 2008. National Wildlife Federation: Field Guide to Trees of North America. New York: Sterling Publishing Company.
FNAEC (Flora of North America Editorial Committee), editor. 1993. Flora of North America, north of Mexico. Volume 2: Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. New York: Oxford University Press.
Kershner, B., Tufts, C., Nelson, G., Spellenberg, R., Purinton, T., Block, R., Moore, G., and Thieret, J. W. 2008. National Wildlife Federation: Field Guide to Trees of North America. New York: Sterling Publishing Company.
Description
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