Lodgepole Pine

Pinus contorta

Lodgepole Pine are one of the most adaptable species of trees, as they are the first to regrow after a wildfire. Pitch that the tree creates seals the cones, making a protective encasement until the seeds are ready to be released (Naturallywood). In addition to thriving in areas that are dry and get a little heated from time to time, Lodgepole Pine are also found in environments that have very moist soils as well. In such areas where the soil is damp and soft, uprooting can be a danger.

In the northern regions such as in Alaska, the Lodgepole pine is a dominant species, whereas further south such as in California it is found to be co-dominant or subdominant among other species.

There are four different subspecies that exist on the west coast including contorta, latifolia, murrayana, and bolanderi.

Cones (Female)

Cones (Female)

  • Have sharp pricks
  • Asymmetric and ovoid when young
  • Rounder when matured
  • 1.2 to 3 in. long
  • Tan to light red-brown

S. Rae CC BY 2.0.

Cones (Male)

  • Cylindrical
  • Reddish
  • 0.2 to 0.6 in. long
  • Grow in clusters

S. Rae CC BY 2.0.

Leaves (needles)

Leaves (needles)

  • Yellow-green to dark green
  • Grow in pairs
  • Twisted
  • Sharp

Matt Lavin CC BY-SA 2.0.

 

Bark

  • Color ranges from brown, grey, or red brown
  • Scaley or flakey
  • Small, irregular plates
  • May peel off in small layers

docentjoyce CC BY 2.0.

 

Did you know?

While the Lodgepole pine is resilient, one of its greatest threats is the mountain pine beetle, which can kill millions of trees. This can have an impact on the production of timber, water purification, wildlife habitat, and wild fire behavior. 

Lodgepole Pine Distribution in Washington and Oregon

Lodgepole Pine Distribution in Washington state

Mushrooms Associated with Lodgepole Pine

Boletus rex-veris

Gastroboletus

Gastroboletus subalpinus
Gastroboletus vivdus

Gomphidius subroseus

Gomphidus oregonensis
Gomphidius smithii
Gomphidius subroseus 

Lentaria pinicola

Morchella

Morchella eximia
Morchella snyderi
Morchella tomentosa

Phylloporus arenicola

Russula

Russula americana
Russula benwooii
Russula cerolens
Russula obscurozelleri
Russula pseudopelargonia
Russula rhodocphala
Russula salishensis
Russula stuntzii
Russula viridofusca

Suillus 

Suillus brevipes
Suillus flavidus
Suillus ponderosus
Suillus pseudobrevipes