Pinus contorta

El Pinus contorta It is one of the conifers that we can find in North America, and it is one of my favorites, if I may say so. It has a bearing and elegance comparable to that of Japanese pines, such as Pinus parviflora for example.

Of course, it is not a tree that can be had in any type of garden, since it is imposing and its roots, like those of its brothers, need a lot of space to be able to develop. Even so, worth knowing.

Origin and characteristics

Our protagonist is an evergreen tree whose scientific name is Pinus contorta, although popularly in its place of origin it is known as lodgepole. It is native to North America, where it grows in the west of the continent. It can reach a height of 30 to 40 meters, but it is normal for it to be lower. The needles, which are the leaves of the Pinaceae, are 3 to 7 cm long and come out in groups of two. The cones or cones are also 3 to 7 cm long, and have spiny scales that often need heat (like that found in a forest fire) to open and release the seeds.

In New Zealand it is an invasive species. On the contrary, in Norway and Sweden it is planted for use in forestry.

What are their cares?

If you want to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:

• Location: due to its characteristics, it not only has to be outside in full sun, but it also has to be planted at a minimum distance of ten meters from pipes, walls, etc.
• Earth: grows in all types of soils, but prefers those with good drainage.
• Irrigation: 3-4 times in summer and somewhat less the rest of the year.
• Subscriber: from early spring to late summer with ecological fertilizers, once a month.
• Multiplication: by seeds in spring-summer.
• Rusticity: withstands cold down to -18ºC.

What did you think of the Pinus contorta?