Sugar Pine

Pinus lambertiana (Pinaceae) is the tallest pine species in the world, reaching 200 feet or more. It is a five-needled pine native to the mountains of Oregon and California south to Baja California. The pendulous cones are also the longest of any pine, reaching 12 to 26 inches. The bark becomes thick and deeply furrowed with age, arranged in irregular plates.

Sugar pine grows in full sun on well-drained mountain soils. The common name refers to the sweet, edible resin. Like all North American five-needled pines, it is highly susceptible to white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola), which has devastated populations throughout its range. The species is also threatened by mountain pine beetle. Hardy in Zones 6a to 8b.