Willamette Valley Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa var benthamiana) Sold as: Large plugs
This local variant of Ponderosa Pine is more resilient to the wetter climate west of the Cascades than its east side cousin. A long-lived evergreen, this tree can live up to 500 years old. 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 Evergreen Tree Key Characteristics: Longer needles grouped in threes, cinnamon colored scaly bark on mature trees Light Requirements: Full sun Water Requirements: Moist to dry soil Ease of Growing: Easy Growth Rate: Fast Bloom Time: April to June Spreads: No Type of support: Wildlife, wildfire resistant, beneficial insects, windbreak Edible: No Mature Height: 150-200 feet Mature Width: 25-30 feet
