About
Pinus ponderosa, the western yellow pine, is an evergreen conifer making a large tree with appealing, scaly, brown, vanilla-scented bark. Dark-green, three-needled leaves to 25 cm long are mostly clustered at branch ends, and cones reach about 15 cm long. A dramatic and ornamental pine for a large, well-drained, sunny garden.
About the genus
Pinus, the pines, are evergreen coniferous trees or shrubs � some with attractive bark � developing an irregular crown with age and bearing long, needle-like leaves in bundles of 2, 3 or 5. Conspicuous cones may fall or persist on the tree for years. Among the most widely grown of all ornamental conifers.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeConifers, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toW North America
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil. Good in coastal area and sandy soils. See Trees: buying and planting specimens
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to adelgids, conifer aphid, sawfly larvae, and pine shoot moth
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus and needle cast diseases