Lodgepole Pine

General
Scientific Name: Pinus contorta var. latifolia
Family: Pinaceae (Pine)
Hardiness: Zone 2
Leaves: Evergreen
Plant Type: Tree

Growth
Rate: Medium
Mature Height: >45’
Longevity: Long
Power Line: No

Ornamental
Flowers: Inconspicuous
Fruit: Brown cones
Fall Color: n/a

A tall straight-trunked, narrow-crowned pine that is native to the Rocky Mountain and Cascade-Sierra ranges. This tree is a major timber species for dimension lumber. In dense stands it forms clean, gradually tapering stems which were used by Native Americans to make their lodges, hence the name “lodgepole pine.”

Light: Full sun only.
Water: Drought resistant.
Soil: Will grow in a variety of soils if well-drained.

There are four or five natural varieties of lodgepole pine; of these, the variety latifolia is best adapted to North Dakota conditions. In ornamental settings, lodgepole pines are common in English gardens and make an exceptionally handsome tree.

Two unique cultivars are:

‘Frisian Gold’ - Dwarf variety that turns gold during the winter.

‘Taylor’s Sunburst’ - New spring growth has gold needles that last several weeks before turning green.

Credits: North Dakota Tree Selector Website, Manual of Woody Landscape Plants 6th edition.