Pinus ponderosa
A widely distributed North American pine with disputed taxonomy.
James St. John · CC BY 2.0
Pinus ponderosa, commonly known as the ponderosa pine or western yellow pine, is a very large pine tree species of variable habitat native to mountainous regions of western North America. It is the most widely distributed pine species in North America.
- Scientific name
- Pinus ponderosa
- Common names
- ponderosa pine, western yellow pine, bull pine, blackjack pine
- Native range
- 16 western U.S. states and British Columbia, Canada
Lore & Background
On that occasion, David Douglas misidentified it as Pinus resinosa (red pine).
Reader's Guide
Pinus ponderosa is a large coniferous pine tree with bark that helps distinguish it from other species. Mature individuals have yellow to orange-red bark in broad plates with black crevices; younger trees have blackish-brown bark. The species has five varieties or subspecies as classified by some botanists, identifiable by needle characteristics and cone color. The taxonomy of the ponderosa pine is heavily disputed by botanists and foresters. Callaham concluded it is a single species divided into five subspecies, but other authorities recognize between two and four varieties or subspecies. The National Register of Big Trees lists a ponderosa pine 72 m tall and 8.2 m in circumference. The species has been introduced in temperate regions of Europe and in New Zealand.
Did You Know?
- The bark of mature ponderosa pines is yellow to orange-red with black crevices.
- The taxonomy of Pinus ponderosa is disputed, with authorities recognizing between two and five subspecies or varieties.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Pinus ponderosa?
Pinus ponderosa is a very large pine species native to the mountainous regions of western North America, best known by the common names ponderosa pine and western yellow pine. It holds the record as the most widely distributed pine species on the continent.
What is Pinus ponderosa's native range?
Its natural territory spans 16 western U.S. states as well as British Columbia, Canada, always favoring mountainous elevations within that broad area.
What other names does Pinus ponderosa go by?
Beyond the familiar ponderosa pine and western yellow pine, it is also called bull pine and blackjack pine, a nod to the dark, rough texture of its mature bark.
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