Pinus ponderosa var benthamiana
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Willamette Valley Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) is more resilient to the wetter climate west of the Cascades than its east side cousin. This long-lived, evergreen tree can live up to 500 years old. A pollinator and wildlife powerhouse, Ponderosa Pines are the only known food for gelechiid moth (Chionodes retiniella) caterpillars. The Ponderosa Pine grows a deep taproot, making it adapted well for open areas, poor rocky soils, and drought resilient amongst other native conifers. Ponderosa Pine has three long needles per fascicle, which can be used to help distinguish it from White Pine (5 needles) and Shore/Lodgepole Pine (2 needles).
Classification: Perennial
Key Characteristics: Needles
Light Requirements: Full sun
Water Requirements: Moist to dry soil
Ease of Growing: High
Growth Rate: Fast
Bloom Time: April–June
Spreads: No
Benefits: Wildlife, Beneficial insects, Wildfire resistant, Deer resistant, On Portland Plant List, Hummingbirds
Edible: No
Mature Height: 150–200 feet
Mature Width: 25–30 feet
