Pinus ponderosa aka Ponderosa Pine

Pinus ponderosa, also known as the ponderosa pine, bull pine, blackjack pine, western yellow-pine, or filipinus pine, is a very large pine tree species native to mountainous regions of western North America. It is the most widely distributed pine species in North America. The tree has handsome, scaly brown bark and dark green needles that can grow up to 25cm in length. The cones of Pinus ponderosa are about 15cm in length. This evergreen coniferous tree is cultivated for its edible pine nuts and is often planted as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks around the world. It has gained recognition from the Royal Horticultural Society with the Award of Garden Merit. The bark of mature trees is yellow to orange-red in broad plates, while younger trees have blackish-brown bark. Pinus ponderosa has five subspecies, each characterized by different needle lengths and fascicle arrangements. The Pacific subspecies has the longest and most flexible needles, while the central High Plains subspecies has the fewest needles and distinctive upright branches. Overall, Pinus ponderosa is a versatile and widely recognized pine tree species with a rich history.