gray pine
ExplorePlants
gray pine
Pinus sabiniana
The gray pine is a tall tree with long, slender needles that can be grayish-green. It grows in sunny places and provides shade for animals and people alike.
Habitat: Mountain regions
Appearance
The gray pine has a distinctive open, sparse canopy with long, grayish-green needles grouped in threes. Its bark is thick and deeply furrowed, appearing gray to dark brown. It is most recognizable by its exceptionally large, heavy cones, which can be up to 30 cm long.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPinopsidaOrderPinalesFamilyPinaceaeGenusPinus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its massive cones are the largest of any pine native to California, weighing up to 2 kg!
Native Americans used the gray pine's sap as glue and medicine, and its needles for baskets!
The gray pine is sometimes called 'digger pine' because people used to dig up its tasty nuts.
This hardy tree can live for over 100 years, standing tall through many tough seasons!
Special abilities
Ability
Drought Buster
Gray pine can grow in very dry, rocky soil by sending super-long roots deep down to find hidden water!
Ability
Giant Seed Spreader
Gray pine has enormous, tasty seeds inside its cones that help animals spread new pine trees far and wide.
Ability
Fire Shield Bark
Gray pine has incredibly thick, protective bark that helps it survive even intense forest fires.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 900-2000 cm
- Spread
- 400-1000 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eats
Western Gray Squirrel
Sciurus griseus
Feasts on the large pine nuts
eats
California Scrub-Jay
Aphelocoma californica
Consumes and helps disperse seeds
eaten by
Mule Deer
Odocoileus hemionus
Browses young seedlings and shoots
parasitizes
Western Pine Beetle
Dendroctonus brevicomis
Bores into bark, weakening the tree
Traits
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Coniferous
Coniferous plants are typically evergreen, bearing needles or scales and reproductive cones.
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Nut Bearing
Nut bearing plants produce hard-shelled fruits, commonly known as nuts, which contain a single seed and are a valuable food source.
Timber
Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.
Mountain
This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Stay on paths when exploring near trees and watch for falling branches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is gray pine?
900-2000 cm
How wide does gray pine spread?
400-1000 cm
When does gray pine bloom?
Spring
Is gray pine edible?
Yes
Is gray pine toxic?
None
What is gray pine's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is gray pine pollinated?
Wind
Where is gray pine usually found?
Mountain regions
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