Pinus coulteri
big-cone pine
A large evergreen tree with a broad, open crown. Stout shoots bear thick, blue-grey needles up to 35cm long, in bundles of three. Massive pale brown cones to 30cm long, with a spine on each scale
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
more than 50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Blue Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Blue Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Blue Grey Silver | Brown |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Pinaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Genus
Pinus can be shrubs or large, evergreen trees, some species with attractive bark, developing an irregular outline with age and bearing long needle-like leaves in bundles of 2, 3 or 5; conspicuous cones may fall or remain on the tree for years
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- W California to Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any well drained soil in full sun. See Trees: buying and planting specimens
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in late winter. Retain in pots for at least two years
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Coastal
Pruning
Generally no pruning required. Remove competing leaders and, on older trees, crown lift by removing some of the lower branches
Pests
May be susceptible to adelgids, conifer aphid, sawfly larvae, and pine shoot moth
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus and needle cast diseases
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.