Other Names:  Bigcone Pine, Pinus ponderosa ssp. coulteri

Description:

An imposing evergreen tree with a broad pyramidal or sometimes asymmetrical crown; gray-green needles are stiff and extremely long; huge, heavy cones remain on tree for years, and may pose a danger; makes a great windbreak, needs full sun

Ornamental Features

Coulter Pine is primarily valued in the landscape for its distinctively pyramidal habit of growth. It has attractive grayish green foliage with hints of silvery blue. The large needles are highly ornamental and remain grayish green throughout the winter. The dark brown fruits are held in cones from early winter to late fall. The furrowed dark brown bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Coulter Pine is an open evergreen tree with a strong central leader and a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. It is a good choice for attracting squirrels to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Disease

Coulter Pine is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade
• Hedges/Screening
• Windbreaks and Shelterbelts

Planting & Growing

Coulter Pine will grow to be about 70 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 30 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live to a ripe old age of 100 years or more; think of this as a heritage tree for future generations!

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. This plant does not require much in the way of fertilizing once established. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided. This species is native to parts of North America.