This picture cleary shows the straight trunk of the Sierra Lodgepole Pine.
(Pinus contorta var. murrayana)
Mike Tripp
Sierra lodgepole pine is native in the Cascade Range of southern Washington, Oregon, and California it also can be found in the Sierra Nevada and Klamath Mountains. Some can even be found as far south as Baja, California. Sierra lodgepole pine grow considerably well on poor soils, rocky slopes, and has proven to be draught resistant. The wood of Sierra lodgepole pine is straight grained, uniform in texture and has mostly small knots. The straight grian wood is commonly used for lumber. Native Americans took a special liking to the lumber because of its straightness for building teepees. Multiple species of mammals and birds depend on the Lodgepole Pine for homes and as a source of food.
This picture cleary shows the straight trunk of the Sierra Lodgepole Pine.
Common Names For the Lodgepole Pine:
Llodgepole pine
Tamarack pine
Sierra-Cascade lodgepole pine
Max Height: 90 to 100 feet
Life Span: Possible excess of 600 years
Needle Length: 1.2 to 2.4 inches
Best pH range: 5.1 to 5.3pH cannot withstand anything over 8pH
Alitude Range: 3,000-11,600
Pollen is shed in June
Sierra lodgepole pine is very fire sensitive, quickly reproduces after a fire. Cones open to release seeds during intense heat.
Bark Color: Dark Red-brown, rough and scaly.
Related Species: Swiss mountain pine, scotch pine and norway pine.
This is a Lodgepole pinecone. Notice the short needles.
Sierra Lodgepole Pine does best during wet, cold winters and hot, dry summers.
The above diagram shows the reproduction cycle of the Sierra Lodgepole Pine. The reproduction process is quite slow. It takes as many as 6 years before fruits mature.
Pictures compliments of the following sites in order:
http://www.uwsp.edu/geo/projects/virtdept/ ipvft/lodgep.html, http://www.jcrows.com/lodgepole.gif http://collections.ic.gc.ca/hazeltons/ lodgepol.htm and http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/fidls/ lodgepole/lodgepole.htm
Sources and Additional Information on Lodgepole Pines can be found at: http://collections.ic.gc.ca/hazeltons/lodgepol.htm and http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/pinconm/all.html
