Pinus lambertiana aka Sugar Pine

Pinus lambertiana, or sugar pine, is a large evergreen conifer. It belongs to the pine family, Pinaceae. Its native range runs from Oregon to northern Baja California. It also grows in California and western Nevada. It lives in cool mountain woods with other conifers. These sites often have moist, deep soils that drain well. The tree grows fast and can live for many years.

Sugar pine forms a straight trunk and an open crown. Long branches spread out almost level with the ground. Much of the trunk may lack branches. Sources report heights of 150–200 feet [46–61 metres]. Some trees exceed this range, with one source giving 246 feet [75 metres]. These figures do not define a separate garden size range. Young bark looks smooth and greenish gray. Older bark turns reddish brown and develops deep grooves. Broken, scaly ridges lie between the grooves. The stout twigs are grayish brown.

The blue-green needles grow in bundles of five. They measure two to four inches long and may droop. Fine white lines mark all sides of each needle. The needles have sharp tips and last two to three years. One tree bears both male and female cones. Small yellow male cones cluster near branch ends. Young female cones are pale green near the crown's top. Wind carries pollen during May and June. Mature cones turn brown and have a long stalk. They reach 10–18 inches long, sometimes as much as 22 inches. Their scales lack sharp points. Seeds ripen in October, and cones release them while still attached.

Grow this tree in sun, though it can take light shade. It suits sandy or gravelly loam with good drainage. Mildly acid to neutral soil suits it best. It can grow in poor soil but dislikes poor drainage. Established trees withstand drought, and deep roots help anchor them. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 6–9. Young trees can gain about three feet [one metre] yearly in Britain. Its large form suits the canopy of a woodland garden.

People have eaten the large seeds raw or cooked. They have a sweet, nutty taste with some resin flavor. Sweet sap from wounds and cones also serves as food. Large amounts can have a laxative effect. Native peoples used this sap as food and medicine. The needles yield tan or green dye. Rain can wash compounds from needles that hinder some seeds' germination.