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Pinus contorta

lodgepole pine

A medium to large conical or domed conifer, up to 25m high, with thick, fissured bark and often twisted young shoots. The yellowish-green needle-like leaves are up to 5cm long, arranged in pairs and sometimes twisted. Yellowish-brown, conical to ovoid cones, up to 5cm long, are borne in pairs or clusters; cone scales have a slender spine that may wear away with time

Other common names
beach pine
shore pine
see moretwisted-branch pine
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Yellow Brown Yellow
Summer Green Yellow Brown Yellow
Autumn Green Yellow Brown Yellow
Winter Green Yellow Brown Yellow
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Pinaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
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
Western N America

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a well drained, acid or neutral soil. See Trees: buying and planting specimens

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

No pruning required

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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