Plant Profile: Lodgepole Pine

Confused by conifers? Befuddled by forests? Leery about Lodgepoles? You've got questions and we've got answers! 

What kind of lodgepole species do we have in Central Oregon?

In Central Oregon, we most commonly see Rocky Mountain lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia). There are several varieties of lodgepole pine that are also commonly referred to as shore pine, tamarack pine, twisted pine, and contorta pine.

Where do lodgepole pines grow? 

1. Rocky Mountain lodgepole pine can grow from Alaska and the Northwest Territories of Canada all the way east to Saskatchewan and the Black Hills of South Dakota. You can find them as far south as Colorado, central Utah, and eastern Oregon.
   
   
2. In the state of Oregon, lodgepoles can be found across the state in many different kinds of habitats, from the coast of the Pacific ocean to rugged mountaintops.
   
   
3. Fun fact! The dry pumice soils around Crater Lake have large stands of another variety of lodgepole pine—the Sierra lodgepole pine.

How can I identify Rocky Mountain lodgepole pines? 

1. Needles grow in pairs and are 1 to 2.5 inches long with sharp ends.
   
   
2. Bark is thin, scaly looking, and orange-brown to gray in color.
   
   
3. Cones can vary in shape from short cylinders to oval or egg-shaped. Lodgepole pine cones can be 1.5 to 2.5 inches long and are characterized by sharp, flat scales.
   
   

What is the wildfire history of lodgepole pine in Central Oregon?

1. Lodgepole pine has a special relationship to fire. Its cones remain closed until met with the intense heat that accompanies wildfires. Once heated, the cones open and release their seeds all at once. Pretty cool!
   
   
2. However, lodgepole pine trees have thin bark, making them highly susceptible to being killed by fire. In areas where there has been improper thinning and/or fire suppression, lodgepole forests can become unusually dense. This makes it easier for fire to spread once these forests start burning.

Why is the Deschutes Land Trust removing lodgepole pines from the land?

Deschutes Land Trust has begun our first phase of restoration at Paulina Creek Preserve near La Pine, Oregon. We successfully removed fire-prone lodgepole pine to help create a fuel break for neighboring homes. We targeted dense stands of small-diameter lodgepole and left the ponderosa pine trees. The hope with this restoration work is a healthier and more open forest, improved conditions for native bunchgrasses and wildflowers, better habitat for wildlife, and increased fire protection for our neighbors.

Sources:

• Crater Lake Institute
• USDA
• Oregon Encyclopedia
• Oregon State University
• University of California—Agriculture and Natural Resources

Learn More:

• Forest Restoration at Paulina Creek Preserve
• Trees to Know in Central Oregon
• East Cascades Dry Forests