Coulter Pine trees are best known for their cones - they can grow to be 11 pounds each, and are second only to the Bunya Pine! This tree has spiky, green needles that grow in bunches off each branch. Compared to most other members of the Pine family, this tree has a puffy appearance, and is less conical in shape than the conventional pine tree. Despite their filled out form, Coulter Pines do little to provide shade with their thin spiky needles.
Image by Bri Weldon, Wiki Creative Commons
Foliage
Needle like evergreen foliage that is produced in bunches along branches, bright green and grey in color
Seeds or Cones
Some of the biggest on Earth, the Coulter Pine produces massive, spiked cones that fall off trees when ready to disperse. These cones have earned the affectionate name of “widowmaker” with those who interface with them frequently. The sharp spines on the Coulter pinecone are called talons.
All illustrations by A.S. Longman
Did you know?
Watch out! Reports of Coulter Pines dropping cones on unsuspecting bystanders have resulted in concussions (and worse)
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