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.
Leaves (needles)
Bark
- Color ranges from brown, grey, or red brown
- Scaley or flakey
- Small, irregular plates
- May peel off in small layers
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