SelecTree: Tree Detail
COULTER PINE
Pinus coulteri
Photo Locations: UC Davis Arboretum - Davis, CA, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens - Claremont, CA, Cal Poly State University - San Luis Obispo, CA, The National Arboretum - Washington, DC, Tilden Regional Parks Botanic Garden - Berkeley, CA and Heaps Peak Arboretum, San Bernardino National Forest
General Notes
Drought resistant. Huge cones, 12 inches or more in size, can be dangerous.
Native to Southern California and Northern Baja California.
A Pinus coulteri in Julian is registered as a California Big Tree. It measures 141 feet high, with a trunk circumference of 152 inches and a crown spread of 72 feet.
Family: Pinaceae
Tree Characteristics
Erect or Spreading and requires ample growing space.
Conical Shape.
Has Evergreen foliage.
Height: 80 feet.
Width: 30 - 40 feet.
Growth Rate: 24 to 36 Inches per Year.
Longevity Greater than 150 years.
Leaves Needle, Gray Green or Dark Green, No Change, Evergreen.
Flowers Inconspicuous. Flowers in Spring. Has separate male and female flowers on the same tree (monoecious).
Brown Cone, Very Large (Over 3.00 inches), fruiting in Fall or Winter.
Bark Black or Dark Brown, Furrowed or Scaly.
Shading Capacity Rated as Moderately Dense in Leaf.
Litter Issue is Dry Fruit.
Tree Site Conditions & Constraints
Sunset Zones 3 - 10 and 14 - 23; H1.
USDA Hardiness Zones 8 - 9.
Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade.
Moist to Dry Soil.
Drought tolerant.
Clay, Loam or Sand Texture.
Highly Acidic to Slightly Alkaline Soil pH.
Seaside Tolerance is Good in Mild Zone.
Pests & Disease Information
Resistant to Verticillium. Susceptible to Aphids and Beetle Borers, Armillaria and Pitch Canker.
Health, Safety & Environmental Concerns
Branch Strength Rated as Medium.
Root Damage Potential Rated as Moderate.
Allergy Health Hazard.
Biogenic Emissions considered Moderate.
Attracts Birds and Squirrels.
Not Deer Palatable.
Cite this tree:
SelecTree. "Pinus coulteri Tree Record." 1995-2018. May 22, 2018.
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/pinus-coulteri >
This tree is not part of the SelecTree Nursery Connection. If you would like to see this tree listed, or know of a nursery that sells it, please contact us at ufei@calpoly.edu.