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Pinus coulteri

big-cone pine

A large evergreen tree with a broad, open crown. Stout shoots bear thick, blue-grey needles up to 35cm long, in bundles of three. Massive pale brown cones to 30cm long, with a spine on each scale

Other common names
Coulter pine
Coulter's pine
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
more than 50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Blue Grey Silver
Summer Blue Grey Silver
Autumn Blue Grey Silver
Winter Blue Grey Silver Brown
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Pinaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
Genus

Pinus can be shrubs or large, evergreen trees, some species with attractive bark, developing an irregular outline with age and bearing long needle-like leaves in bundles of 2, 3 or 5; conspicuous cones may fall or remain on the tree for years

Name status

Correct

Plant range
W California to Mexico

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well drained soil in full sun. See Trees: buying and planting specimens

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in late winter. Retain in pots for at least two years

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Coastal
Pruning

Generally no pruning required. Remove competing leaders and, on older trees, crown lift by removing some of the lower branches

Pests

May be susceptible to adelgids, conifer aphid, sawfly larvae, and pine shoot moth

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus and needle cast diseases

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