Pinus ponderosa - Ponderosa Pine

Ponderosa Pine
Pinus ponderosa
Family: PINACEAE

This native pine is the dominant tree of the western U.S., growing in a variety of elevations and soil types from the Rocky mountains to the Pacific coast. Ponderosa pine has lower nitrogen and phosphorous requirements than associated conifers (Douglas-fir, white fir, sugar pine, Incense cedar), allowing it to grow more successfully in soils that may be infertile for other species, such as in Central Oregon.