Western White Pine

Western white pine is a large, long-lived conifer native to forests of the Pacific Northwest and northern Rocky Mountains. It is distinguished by its soft, slender needles arranged in bundles of five and its long, narrow cones, which can reach more than a foot in length. Western white pine grows best on moist, well-drained sites but occurs across a range of forest conditions and can reach over 150 feet tall. Its seeds and foliage provide food and habitat for wildlife, while mature trees contribute important structural diversity to forests. The species has been greatly affected by introduced white pine blister rust, although resistant individuals are increasingly important for its long-term persistence.