Ponderosa Pine

Ponderosa Pine also known as Yellow pine, Western yellow pine, Blackjack pine, and Bull pine. This is the dominant tree in the Saltese area. You love them or hate them.

To find information about the Bark Beetle which is killing the trees in our area go to the Bark Beetle page.

The Ponderosa Pine is the most recognizable conifer in Spokane County, identified by its distinctive orange-brown bark arranged in large vertically plates around the trunk. The pine can grow to well over 100’ in height. Needles are borne in bundles of 3. The stiff needles are some of the longest of the pine trees with about 7” as common length. The needles are typically yellow green in color. The cones, similar in color to the bark, are 3-6” long and 2-4” in diameter.

This species needs full sun to prosper. Once the tree is established it can withstand drought. Squirrels, chipmunks and many kinds of birds eat the seeds.

If you are interest in local efforts to preserve the Ponderosa Pine, go to Spokane Ponderosa.