Contents
Description
Pinus Contorta Var. Murrayana is a subspecies of the lodgepole pine (Pinus Contorta), also known as the tamarack pine or Sierra lodgepole pine. It is native to western North America, particularly the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Range, and can grow up to 50-100 feet tall with a trunk diameter of 2-3 feet. The bark of the tree is thin, scaly, and dark brown or gray, while the needles are twisted, stout, and grow in pairs, measuring 1-3 inches in length. The cones are small and egg-shaped, with a length of 1-2 inches, and are often clustered at the tips of the branches.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Genus | Pinus |
Appearance
Pinus Contorta Var. Murrayana is a tall, slender tree with a straight trunk and a narrow, conical crown. The bark is thin, scaly, and dark brown or gray, while the needles are twisted, stout, and grow in pairs, measuring 1-3 inches in length. The cones are small and egg-shaped, with a length of 1-2 inches, and are often clustered at the tips of the branches. The tree has a distinctive, conical shape and is often used for landscaping and as a windbreak.
Care Guide
Pinus Contorta Var. Murrayana is a hardy tree that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It prefers well-drained, acidic soil and full sunlight, but can also grow in partial shade. The tree should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods, and fertilized once a year in the spring. Pinus Contorta Var. Murrayana is hardy in USDA zones 4-8 and can withstand temperatures as low as -30°F. It is important to protect the tree from wind and heavy snowfall, which can cause damage to the branches and trunk.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pinus Contorta Var. Murrayana is susceptible to a range of pests and diseases, including bark beetles, weevils, and rusts. Bark beetles can cause extensive damage to the tree, killing the branches and trunk, while weevils can damage the needles and cones. Rusts can cause yellowing and premature dropping of the needles. To prevent pest and disease problems, it is important to keep the tree healthy by providing adequate water, fertilizer, and sunlight, and to prune any dead or damaged branches.
Habitat
Pinus Contorta Var. Murrayana is native to western North America, particularly the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Range, and is commonly found in high-elevation forests and mountain meadows. It grows best in well-drained, acidic soil and full sunlight, but can also tolerate partial shade. The tree is an important component of the ecosystem, providing habitat for a range of wildlife and helping to prevent soil erosion.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Pinus Contorta Var. Murrayana a fast-growing tree?
A: Pinus Contorta Var. Murrayana is a slow-growing tree, typically growing less than one foot per year.
Q: What is the lifespan of Pinus Contorta Var. Murrayana?
A: Pinus Contorta Var. Murrayana can live up to 500 years in ideal growing conditions.
Q: Can Pinus Contorta Var. Murrayana be grown in containers?
A: Pinus Contorta Var. Murrayana is not well-suited for container gardening, as it requires a deep root system to thrive.
Q: Can Pinus Contorta Var. Murrayana be used for timber?
A: Pinus Contorta Var. Murrayana is commonly used for timber, pulpwood, and fuelwood, due to its straight trunk and high resin content.
Related Plants
- Pinus Contorta
- Pinus Resinosa
- Pinus Sylvestris
- Pinus Ponderosa
References
- “Pinus contorta var. murrayana.” Plants for a Future. Accessed July 22, 2021. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Pinus+contorta+var.+murrayana.
- “Pinus contorta var. murrayana.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed July 22, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=PICOM.
- “Sierra lodgepole pine.” Oregon State University. Accessed July 22, 2021. https://oregonstate.edu/trees/conifer_genera/species/pine_sierra_lodgepole.html.
