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.