Pinus lambertiana (Suger Pine)

Photographs

My photos:

These two photos are from Idyllwild County Park, taken in March

More photos:

click photo to enlarge

Plant Information

Pinaceae

In the garden:

This is a very stately pine, the largest of all pines, reaching from 60 to 250 feet in height. It’s crown is open and narrow when young, becoming flat-topped with age. Older branches are well spaced and wide spreading. The bark is reddish brown to gray, with loose scales. Note: young trees will have smooth, dark green bark. The needles are from3 to 4 inches long and occur in bundles of 5. Long cylindrical cones hang from the branch tips. It needs a great deal of room. The name is derived from it’s sweet tasting sap. This pine may reach an age of 500 years or more. Slow growing when young. Hardy but temperamental. It is susceptible to white pine blister rust, but usually safe if no currants or gooseberry bushes (which are alternate hosts of this rust) are nearby.

In the wild:

A common forest tree, from 2500 to 9000 feet. Seeds eaten by birds and small mammals.

Ethnobotany:

High-grade sugar pine lumber is sought after for its dimensional stability and workability. The wood is light and resists deformity. It is easily milled and is favored for molding, window and door frames, window sashes, doors, and other special products like piano keys and organ pipes.

Field Trips
Anza Borrego Caspers Holy Jim Canyon Idyllwild
Joshua Tree Mt Palomar Rancho Santa Ana Torrey Pines

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