Contents
Description
Pinus Lambertiana, commonly known as Sugar Pine, is a species of coniferous tree native to western North America. It is known for its large size, with some specimens growing up to 230 feet tall and 10 feet in diameter. The tree’s unique appearance includes long, drooping needles and large cones that can reach up to 2 feet in length. Sugar Pine is an important timber tree and is also cultivated as an ornamental plant.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Genus | Pinus |
| Species | Pinus Lambertiana |
Appearance
The needles of Pinus Lambertiana are long and slender, measuring up to 10 inches in length. The needles grow in bundles of five and have a bluish-green color. The tree’s bark is grayish-brown with deep fissures. The cones of Sugar Pine are the largest of any pine species, measuring up to 2 feet in length. The cones are cylindrical in shape and have a light brown color. The tree’s overall appearance is impressive due to its large size and unique characteristics.
Care Guide
Pinus Lambertiana prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sunlight. The tree should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. Fertilization should be done in the spring using a balanced fertilizer. Sugar Pine is hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and can tolerate cold temperatures down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sugar Pine is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including bark beetles, rust, and pine blister rust. Bark beetles can cause significant damage to the tree, leading to dieback and eventual death. Rust and pine blister rust can cause damage to the foliage and cones of the tree. Proper care and management can help prevent these issues from occurring.
Habitat
Pinus Lambertiana is native to the western United States, ranging from Oregon to southern California. The tree typically grows in mountainous regions at elevations of 2,000 to 8,000 feet. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and precipitation levels.
Question and Answer
Q: How tall can Pinus Lambertiana grow?
A: The tree can grow up to 230 feet tall.
Q: What is the proper care for Pinus Lambertiana?
A: The tree prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sunlight. It should be watered regularly and fertilized in the spring.
Q: What is the range of hardiness zones for Sugar Pine?
A: Pinus Lambertiana is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Q: What is the largest part of Pinus Lambertiana?
A: The cones of Sugar Pine are the largest of any pine species, measuring up to 2 feet in length.
Related Plants
- Pinus ponderosa
- Pinus contorta
- Pinus monticola
- Pinus sylvestris
References
- “Pinus lambertiana.” USDA Forest Service. Accessed 16 May 2021. https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/pinlam/all.html
- “Sugar Pine.” The Morton Arboretum. Accessed 16 May 2021. https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/sugar-pine
- “Pinus lambertiana.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 16 May 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b507
