PlantFiles: Coulter Pine, Big Cone Pine
Pinus coulteri

Easy to start from seed. Rapid growth for a California native pine. I planted five one-year old saplings in coarse sandy soil in Fresno, CA. All five have managed to survive 10 years in Fresno's hot summers on the 11" of annual precipitation without summer irrigation.

Widowmaker indeed! The cones are large, hard and heavy, so I advise never to stand, sit or lie under one of these trees unless you can see all the cones and they are green. One of those babies dropping on you from any height (and the trees grow very tall) could really cause some damage. WalterT

This is a beautiful pine tree. Locals say it is also known as the "widow maker," due to its pineapple-size pinecones.

Unfortunately, tens of thousands of Coulters, along with a million other pine trees have died in the San Bernardino mountains of Southern California (Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead). We've been told that the drought and western bark beetle are to blame. I love this pine, but would hesitate to replant it.

As you can see from the picture, this 5-gallon Coulter Pine was not in the best shape when I planted it in Yucca Valley (11-02.) Finding Coulter pines among nursery stock is a challenge! By April 23, 2004, this plant has grown nicely and with a much darker green color. The soil in Yucca Valley is alkaline and dreadfully hard. I planted this tree in an area where California Junipers used to grow, with some compost added in the backfill. It is going to be fine focal point of my front yard in a few more years!

Native pine to Southern California - has some great big pinecones!