8. Bigcone Pine

Specimen Size: 99.9ft tall, 38.25in in diameter.

Location: Northeast corner of Winkenwerder forestry building

Historical Background: Sometimes called the Coulter Pine, this Californian native's name has historically commemorated Thomas Coulter (1793-1843), an Irish botanist and physician who documented the species while collecting plants in Mexico and California. However since Coulter was in fact not the discoverer but following on the heals of thousands of years of indigenous people who were fully aware of the trees presence and uses it makes more sense to use the other common name of this species, the Bigcone Pine, as this also provides a useful identification figure. The tree has been cultivated since 1832 for its striking ornamental qualities. A tan or green dye can be obtained from the needles of the Coulter pine. The needles of pine trees contain a substance called terpene that is released when rain falls over the needles. Terpene acts as an herbicide and restricts the plant growth beneath the canopy of these trees. The lumber is weak and soft, so there is little use for the wood other than for firewood. The cones are eaten by Indigenous peoples in its native region. 

Non-Native

Native Range: California and south to the Mexican border

Identifying Features: This specimen is an impressive example of this straight-trunked pine, with evergreen foliage in the open irregular crown. The needles grow in fascicles of 3, sparse and crowded together near the tips of branches (this tree grows natively in a high sunlight environment and lacks the need for dense foliage needed to compete here in the Western Cascades). Needles are very stout and stiff, this is a true desert species, and the bark is similarly tough, dark gray to orangeish and deeply furrowed into scaly ridges. On branches it is divided into blackish rectangular plates. The cones, as implied by the name, are impressive, 8-12” (20-30cm) long, egg shaped on a stout stalk and yellowish brown. One would NOT want to be standing under one as it falls, they are quite heavy.

Identifying Features In Depth:

1. Form: Straight trunked up to a height of 40-70’, with rows of horizontal branches forming an irregular open crown with large heavy cones on the tips in mature trees. Needles grow in clusters on branch trips.

2. Leaves: Grey-green with many white lines, growing in fascicles of 3 to a length of 8-12” (20-30cm). The needles are quite stout and sharp.

3. Bark: Thick and dark gray with orangish undertones, deeply furrowed into scaly ridges, turning blackish gray with age. On branches bark appears in square scales.

4. Reproductive Bodies: Large very heavy cones from 8-12” (20-30cm) long, egg shaped on a stout stalk and yellowish brown in color. Cone scales are long and sharply keeled with a long stout spine curled forwards. Seeds are large and edible, as are the nuts of all pine trees (although many are far to small for it to be a worthwhile meal).