Pinus torreyana aka Torrey Pine

Pinus torreyana, or Torrey pine, is an evergreen conifer. It belongs to the pine family, Pinaceae. Its native range lies in southwestern California, near the coast. It grows on low coastal bluffs north of San Diego. A separate population grows on Santa Rosa Island. This tree comes from a subtropical climate with coastal air.

Trees often reach 30–50 feet [9–15 metres] in height. One source gives a greater height of 66 feet [20 metres]. The crown spreads out and lets light through its branches. Strong winds and salt spray can keep trees shrubby. Trunks reach about 1–2 feet [0.3–0.6 metres] across. Dark gray to black bark has deep grooves and flat, scaly ridges. Thick, smooth young twigs start green and turn black with age. Stiff, dark green needles grow in bundles of five. They cluster near branch tips and have many stomatal bands. Each needle measures about 0.7–1.1 feet [0.20–0.33 metres] long.

Each tree bears both male and female cones. Yellow male cones grow in clusters; reddish female cones have stalks. Plants For A Future places flowering from January to March. Woody seed cones reach about 0.3–0.5 feet [0.10–0.15 metres] long. Thick scales end in stout, straight spines. Open cones look almost round and can remain for years. Sources differ on whether cones mature in two or three years. Wind carries the pollen, and self-fertilized seed tends to grow poorly. The large seeds have hard shells and short, detachable wings.

Grow this pine in full sun with good drainage. It suits sandy or gravelly loam, including soils low in nutrients. Mildly acid to neutral soil suits it. Established trees cope with drought, though they need humid air. Dry or moist soil can support growth; poor drainage does not. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 8–11. It also warns that trees lack strong hardiness in Britain. That source describes its growth as fast.

Torrey pine serves as a specimen or coastal landscape tree. Its surface roots may cause problems around planting sites. Substances washed from its needles can hinder some seeds from sprouting. The needles also yield tan or green dye. People eat the oil-rich seeds raw or roasted. Their nutty taste has a resin note.