Lodgepole Pine

Lodgepole pine is a narrow, needled evergreen native to western North America. This record represents the inland variety, also called Rocky Mountain lodgepole pine, rather than the coastal shore-pine form. ## Features The tree is typically tall and slender, with a pyramidal to columnar crown, thin scaly bark, and outward-facing cones. Mature dimensions vary with growing conditions: North Carolina Extension lists about 100 feet tall by 20 feet wide for the variety, while Ricks Garden Center lists roughly 60 feet by 25 feet for its inland-variety garden listing. Open-grown lodgepole pines develop broader, fully foliaged crowns than trees in dense stands. [North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/pinus-contorta-var-latifolia/common-name/lodgepole-pine/) [Ricks Garden Center](https://www.ricksgarden.com/product/lodgepole-pine/) [USDA Forest Service](https://research.fs.usda.gov/feis/species-reviews/pinconl) ## Growing Conditions Provide full sun and well-drained loamy soil. The extension profile lists USDA Zones 4–9, while Oregon State University reports this inland variety hardy to Zone 3. It tolerates occasional dryness but not shade or persistently wet soil. [Oregon State University](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/pinus-contorta-var-latifolia) ## Maintenance Give the tree ample room for its tall form and avoid waterlogged sites. Natural cones may open after fire, helping regenerate stands.