Utah Native Pine Trees

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Pine trees of Utah

Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta

Douglas ex Louden

Common names: Tamarack, Tall

Lodgepole Pine, Interior Lodge...

Height: coastal 25-30, interior 75-100 ft

Diameter: coastal 1-1.5, interior 1-3 ft

Showy flower: no

Fall colors: no-evergreen

Drought tolerant: low

Annual rainfall: 18-25 inches

Soil Needs: varied, pH 6.2-7.5

Frost Free Days: 100

Minimum Temperature (F): -70

Growth Rate: rapid

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Photo Gallery

Lodgepole pine cones usually grow in pairs

This long lived native pine tree takes various forms depending on it's location. Coastal trees usually reach heights of 25-30 feet and 1-1.5 feet in diameter. It is often found with a Krummholz form form. This twisted, often horizontally spread form is the result of constant winds that deform the tree over time. Inland, or interior, lodgepole pines ,.,more

Pinus contorta is native to the northern half of Utah

The state distribution maps in the species info boxes below are from the USDA NRCS PLANTS Database at plants.usda.gov. In instances where state specific maps are unavailable, the US distribution map will be used in its place. Also, the PLANTS Database website states "Our county data are based primarily on the literature, herbarium specimens, and confirmed observations. However, not all populations have been documented, so some gaps in the distribution shown above may not be real. Remember that only native and naturalized populations are mapped!"

Pine trees are one of the most varied and widely spread genus of native tree species in North America. From the cold mountains of Alaska to Nova Scotia in the east, from high wind-swept Rocky Mountain cliffs to the fertile Appalachian forests, on seaside borders, swamps, dry foothills, lowlands and everywhere in between, pine trees can be found. Adapted to so many environments, pine trees are hardy survivors in their native habitat. The pine trees of North America were used by Native Americans for treatments of respiratory ailments, in canoe building and even as food. Today native pines are one of the most valuable commercial timber sources and continue to be used for construction, furniture, pulpwood, land management and more.