Sugar pine

Sugar Pine (Pinus lambertiana) is a species of pine native to the western United States and Mexico. It is the tallest and most massive pine tree, and has the longest cones of any conifer. The species name lambertiana was given by the British botanist David Douglas, who named the tree after the English botanist Aylmer Bourke Lambert.

Description

The Sugar Pine is a large tree, typically reaching 40–60 meters (130–195 feet) tall and a diameter of 1.5–2.5 meters (4.9–8.2 feet). It is known for its distinctive, slender, and gull-wing shaped cones which can be up to 61 cm (24 in) long.

Distribution and habitat

The Sugar Pine is native to the mountains of the Pacific Northwest of the United States, from Oregon through California to Baja California in Mexico. It is typically found at altitudes of 1,000–2,700 meters (3,300–8,900 feet). The tree grows in a variety of habitats, from moist, low-lying valleys to dry, rocky slopes.

Uses

The wood of the Sugar Pine is valued for its fine grain and workability. It has been used extensively for construction, furniture, and for the production of matchsticks. The tree's resin, or "sugar", was used by Native Americans and early settlers as a sweetener, and it is still used today in the production of specialty products.

Conservation

The Sugar Pine has been affected by the white pine blister rust, a disease introduced from Europe. This, combined with logging, has led to a significant reduction in the tree's population. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore this iconic species.

See also

• List of Pinus species
• Conifer cone

References

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