Pinus contorta (Shore Pine)

Pinus contorta (Shore Pine) is a medium to large, conical or domed, intricately branched, evergreen conifer. In coastal plantings, it is often sculpted by the wind and quite picturesque. Stiff and often twisted, the yellow-green to dark green needles, 2-3 in. long (5-7 cm), are borne in pairs and persist 3 to 8 years on the tree. The conical to ovoid seed cones, up to 3 in. long (7 cm), are lustrous tan to pale red-brown and may never open since sealed with resin. Borne in pairs or clusters, they are twisted at the base and tend to point backwards. Their scales are noted for having a sharp prickle at their tips. The bark is orange to reddish-brown, thin and scaly. Fast-growing, Shore Pine tolerates salt spray, high winds and sterile dune soils. Perfect for the seaside landscape, it can make admirable bonsai specimens.

• Grows up to 20-35 ft. tall and wide (6-10 m).
• Performs best in full sun in acid or neutral, well-drained soils.
• No pruning required.
• Keep an eye out for adelgids, aphids, sawflies, pine shoot moth and pine needle cast.
• Propagate by seed.
• Native from the coast of Alaska along the Pacific to northern California.