Ponderosa Pines are one of the most wide circularize pine species in North America . They prevail wood in the westerly United States and Canada , thriving in various climates from semi - arid to more damp regions , though they ’re particularly known for their presence in the Rocky Mountains , the Sierra Nevada , and the Black Hills . Ponderosa true pine , is also have sex as strapper pine tree , blackjack pine , westerly yellow - pine , or filipinus pine tree .
The name “ Ponderosa ” was popularized during this time , derived from the Latin word for “ heavy ” or “ ponderous , ” referring to the telling size of the tree . Botanist David Douglas first scientifically described it in the 1820s during his travelling in the Pacific Northwest . With westward expansion , the Ponderosa Pine became a prime woodland source due to its size , straight growth , and Natalie Wood caliber . The log industry boomed , particularly during the structure of railroad , excavation operation , and the rapid development of the American West .
These trees are majestic , often reaching heights of 150 to 230 feet ( 46 to 70 meters ) . Their trunks can originate to be over 3 metrical unit in diameter , with some especial specimen much larger . In optimal circumstance , young Ponderosa Pines can grow quite rapidly . During the first 10 to 20 years , with adequate water , sun , and nutrients , they might grow approximately 1 to 2 foundation ( 30 to 60 cm ) per year . In idealistic weather condition , some might even turn up to 3 foot ( about 90 cm ) annually in their early year .
Ponderosa Pines are long - go tree , often attain ages of 300 to 600 age . Once they progress to about 50 years or so , the vertical growth might reduce to less than a metrical unit per class . Over time , much of the ontogeny energy is lead towards increasing the cinch of the luggage compartment and exposit the root system rather than height .
Ponderosa Pine needle are long , ranging from 5 to 10 inches in distance . They are dress in bundles , or fascicles , normally control three needles , although some variations might have two or occasionally four needle per megabucks . The needles are a cryptical green , sometimes with a slight yellowish tint , which can give the tree a vivacious yet rugged appearance . This color stay on comparatively uniform year - round . These phonograph needle can last out on the tree for several old age , between 3 to 7 years , before they work chocolate-brown and fall off . When warmed by the sun , the needles liberate a fragrance often describe as vanilla or butterscotch .
Ponderosa pine cone & Needles
Ponderosa pine cones are large , ranging from 3 to 6 in in length . They are ovoid ( egg - form ) when undetermined and more cone-shaped when close . When mature , the cones are usually a ruddy - browned people of color . Before maturity , they can be green or purplish . Each cone has scale that are wooden-headed and tipped with a incisive prickle , which can be quite noticeable when you handle them .
Ponderosa pines are wind - cross-pollinate . The virile cones , which are smaller and often yellowish , resign pollen in the spring . After pollenation , fertilization can take over a class , which means the cones you see might be from this year ’s pollenation or last class ’s .
late account figure Ponderosa Pines facing unexampled challenge with climate change , include shifts in precipitation patterns , temperature growth , and more frequent and hard wildfires . These factors are mold where Ponderosa Pines can boom in the hereafter . Cones take about two yr to suppurate . Once mature , the cones overt to release seeded player , usually spark by teetotal , warm conditions , or sometimes by fire .
Varieties of ponderosa pine ( Pinus ponderosa )
Environmental Factors
Uses of Pinus ponderosa
