The best identifier of the Ponderosa Pine is its unique bark texture, categorized by orange spots and organic tessellations down the trunk. These large organic shapes create the appearance of scales, which sets the Ponderosa apart from other similar pine trees. These trees are remarkably tall, with very few branches on lower levels. Most of the foliage exists far up a tall, single trunk that reaches high towards the sky. This tree is an evergreen, and keeps its foliage year round.
Image by Walter Siegmund, Wiki Creative Commons
Foliage
These needles grow in clusters down each branch of the pine, and remain the same color year round. These needles are long and pointy, and burn easily when dried out.
Seeds or Cones
When you shut your eyes and imagine a pinecone, this is probably what you see! The Ponderosa pinecone is a conventional, medium size cone with pointy ends and a broad, circular base.
All illustrations by A.S. Longman
Did you know?
The Ponderosa Pine can survive low heat wildfires, and often thrives off the reduced competition for resources as a result.
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