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Shore Pine · Pinus contorta

shore pine
Pinus contorta ©Ellen Mast

Description: Coniferous evergreen tree (30-100 ft.) with 2 needles per fascicle. Contorted refers to the twisted or contorted needles. The coastal form (shore pine, or Pinus contorta var.contorta) may be wind-pruned into shorter, bushier trees. The mountain form (lodgepole pine, or Pinus contorta var.latifolia) is usually tall and slender. Fairly fast growth rate. Sun, moderate-regular water, well-drained soil. When grown in poor soil and on the coast,it often develops a crooked trunk and irregular dense crown.

Wildlife Values: Shore pine is an important source of nesting sites, cover, and food for birds, butterflies and many other animals. Woodpeckers, chickadees, and bushtits eat insects they forage from branches and cones. Seeds are enjoyed by chickadees, jays, nuthatches, siskins, finches, squirrels and chipmunks.