Pinus monticola (Western White Pine)

Plant Description: Western White Pine is a tall, thin native evergreen conifer with gray-brown bark and gray-green needles with white stripes. Needles are soft, slightly serrated, and grow in clusters of 5. Cones hang loosely from its branches in pendulous. Fast growing and very long lived. 

• Height: 70-200ft
• Width: 3-6 ft
• Watering needs: Seasonally dry
  
• Sun needs: full sun-part shade
  
• Soil needs: well draining, rocky or sandy
  
• Bloom Time: June-July
  
• Portland Plant List (Backyard Habitat Certification): No

Landscape Use and Ecological Function: Western White Pines made excellent privacy trees for narrow spaces. Growing best in sun and dry sites, they make a great xeriscape conifer as well. Western White Pine are excellent habitat trees, attracting jays, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and most backyard nesting birds as well as small mammals who enjoy the seeds such as chipmunks, squirrels, and even porcupines. An excellent tree for habitat building. 

Photo courtesy of Seven Oaks Nursery