Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta)
Also known as: shore pine (coastal)
Bloom time: May – July
Additional photos:
General: There are two varieties of this pine: one is a smaller (up to 15 m tall) branching, coastal variety. The other is straighter, (up to 30 m tall) unbranched, and grows in the interior.
Leaves & Twigs: The paired needles are 3-7 cm long, somewhat twisted in lodgepole pine and stiffer and shorter in shore pine.
Flowers & Fruits:
Habitat: The lodgepole pine is a wide ranging species, and can be found in both coastal bogs and shallow sub-alpine soils.
PlantWatch Pointers: Tag a typical tree for observation.
To Observe:
- First bloom: when the first pollen is being shed by the male cones on the observed tree (3 places).
- Mid bloom: when 50% of the male cones are abundantly shedding pollen.
Distribution Map:
This species is monitored in:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
Lodgepole pine depends on forest fires to propagate; the heat liquifies the resin that glues together the seed cone scales, allowing them to open and release their seeds.