Ponderosa Pine



This young Ponderosa is still relatively small,
but with ideal conditions and plenty of time,
it could grow up to be over 200 feet tall.



Ponderosa Pine, blackjack pine, bull pine, western yellow pine, silver pine, and yellow bellies… The list of common names seems to run on and on.  The Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) is one of the most important conifer species to the western United States and one of the most interesting. So why are there so many names?  Perhaps it has to do with its huge range. 

The Ponderosa can be found in Canada, throughout the entire western United States and even in Mexico. Another possibility for its plethora of names could be some of its surprising characteristics. The Ponderosa generally has a dark colored bark for its first 70 some years of growth, deeming in the “Blackjack pine.” However, as it matures, the tree sheds its outer bark revealing an inner yellow bark, hence the “yellow pine” and yellow belly” names.  That’s not the only surprising change the Ponderosa makes as it matures, the inner yellow bark, will begin to release a sweet aroma that often reminds people of vanilla, coconut, butterscotch, and even cinnamon.

This “all-star” tree also has some uses and characteristics that make it extremely important to its native environment. It’s rapid growth makes it a vital species for helping with erosion control, site restoration and rehabilitation and even acts as a wind break. Native Americans have used this pine species for construction, medicine, food, and ceremonial purposes. Did you know that even the roots of the ponderosa can be used to make a blue dye? It’s one of the largest pine species and the largest know pine tree in the world is a Ponderosa found in Oregon measuring just over 268 feet tall!

The Ponderosa is being offered as part of our 2013 Native Plant Sale! It’s fire resistant characteristics as well as the role it plays with providing wildlife with food and shelter make it a wonderful tree for planting at restoration sites or as a beautiful big tree to stand out in your backyard yardscape.  To find out more about our plant sale and how to order, visit our website or check out the 2013 Native Plant Sale Brochure and Order Form. Don’t forget that the Ponderosa Pine is just one of TEN native plant species offered this year so be sure to view them all to find out which ones are best suited for your needs.