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PlantSnap
Plant Care
Ponderosa pine
(Pinus ponderosa)
Also Known As
Ponderosa pine, Yellow pine, Western yellow pine
About This Plant
Pinus ponderosa, commonly known as ponderosa pine, is a large coniferous pine tree species native to western North America. It is a long-lived tree that can reach up to 200 feet (61 meters) tall and 8 feet (2.4 meters) in diameter. The bark is thick, with a dark brown to black color, and deeply furrowed. The needles are long, stiff, and come in bundles of three.
Plant Care Instructions
Outdoor Size Range
60-200 feet (18-61 meters) tall and 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) wide
Light Requirements
Ponderosa pine prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will grow more slowly.
Humidity Needs
Ponderosa pine does not have any specific humidity requirements.
Fertilizing Schedule
Ponderosa pine does not require fertilizer if grown in its natural habitat. If grown in a garden, it may benefit from a slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring.
Pruning Guidelines
Ponderosa pine does not require regular pruning, but dead or damaged branches should be removed as needed.
Common Pests and Diseases
Ponderosa pine is susceptible to bark beetles, which can cause extensive damage to the tree. Other common pests include pine needle scale, pine sawfly, and western pine weevil.
Indoor Size Range
Not suitable for indoor growing
Watering Schedule
Ponderosa pine is drought-tolerant once established, but it still needs regular watering during the first few years of growth. It prefers well-draining soil and does not tolerate waterlogged soil.
Temperature Range
Ponderosa pine is a hardy tree that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can survive in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7.
Growing Season
Ponderosa pine typically grows from late spring to early fall.
Growing Difficulty Level
Ponderosa pine is relatively easy to grow in its native habitat, but it may be difficult to establish in a garden setting.
USDA Hardiness Zones
3 to 7
Did You Know?
The ponderosa pine is the state tree of Montana and the most widely distributed pine species in North America, with a range that extends from Canada to Mexico.
