A very hardy pioneer species that grows in bogs, coastal dunes, and in exposed coastal mountain ranges, often stunted and deformed by extreme exposure to wind and salt spray. Introduced 1855.

Native to the Pacific north-west of America, from northern California to southern Alaska.

Botanists sometimes disagree whether this is a variety or subspecies, but it is closely related to the Lodgepole Pine (p. xxx). Monoecious.

Grows to 10m, usually heavily branched. Foliage bright green, with short needles (4-6cm) in pairs, slightly twisted and pointed, dense and pressed close to the shoots. Cones small (4-5cm), pointing backwards along shoots, with sharp spines on the scale tips. Lodgepole Pine differs: longer needles (6-10cm), less spiny cones.

Thrives in the harshest conditions and able to rapidly regenerate after wildfire.

As one of the few trees that can grow in its harsh habitat, it is important for a range of wildlife.

None.

Useful in the conservation of extreme environments. Timber not normally considered harvestable.