[Pinus ponderosa]
[a.k.a. Ponderosa White Pine, Western Red Pine]
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Discontinued in this size, see Ponderosa Pine seedlings, Ponderosa Pine plug seedlings
Ponderosa Pine transplants are famously valued for fast growth, reaching up to 125 ft or more at maturity, and can often be seen used as borders along highways. Its excellent green ornamental color and wonderful pine fragrance make it a popular choice for ornamental plantings, but plan accordingly for the towering height when fully grown. As it matures, it drops lower needles and branches and takes on a very straight, columnar trunk.
Pinus ponderosa are a good choice for erosion control, with a robust root system. However, it needs well draining soil and does quite well in poor, sandy and rocky soils. Not recommended for wet or heavy dark soils. These soil preferences naturally make Pinus ponderosa fairly drought tolerant and therefore should not be over-watered. It thrives in full sun and acidic soils, and should not be planted in alkaline soils unless you want to put in the work of amending the soil.
The needles and bark of the Ponderosa Pine are very popular with a wide range of birds and small animals, who make nests and homes from these materials. The very high treetops combined with very little lower branches make it a perfect vantage point for birds of prey. The thick bark is resistant to small ground fires which clear out underbrush.
The Ponderosa Pine is susceptible to bark beetles and pine budworm, so keep your eyes open for these annual threats. It generally takes several years of sustained attack on already weakened trees to cause real problems.
It is one of the most important species for timber production in North America, with over a billion board feet produced annually. Examples of living specimens are over 500 years old. If you plant one and it lives to be this old, please let us know.
Ponderosa Pine transplants: characteristics and info
• prefers hardiness zones 3-7
• prefers full sun
• mature height and spread: up to 100 ft high, 30 ft spread
• prefers sandy soils, clay soils, rocky soils, well drained soils, acidic soils
• Wikipedia info on Pinus ponderosa
• Ponderosa Pine Sizes and Availability:
--- Ponderosa Pine seedlings [sold out till Fall 2025]
--- Ponderosa Pine plug seedlings [sold out till Spring 2025]
• Comparable alternative species: Austrian Pine, Eastern White Pine, and Red Pine. Confused about species? Check out our Evergreen Tree Buyers Guide
Ponderosa Pine transplants have been discontinued in this size [too big and bulky to pack and ship], see Ponderosa Pine seedlings, Ponderosa Pine plug seedlings