Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database

Kingdom Plantae – Plants

Subkingdom Tracheobionta – Vascular plants

Superdivision Spermatophyta – Seed plants

Division Coniferophyta – Conifers

Class Pinopsida

Order Pinales

Family Pinaceae – Pine family

Genus Pinus L. – pine

Species Pinus contorta Douglas ex Louden – lodgepole pine

Variety Pinus contorta Douglas ex Louden var. contorta – beach pine

This fast growing, two-needle yellow pine is closely related to Lodgepole Pine.

Native to the west coast, including the San Juan Islands and the Oregon coast, Shore pine is hardy in USDA zones 5 -10. Being highly tolerant of poor soils and saline conditions, it occurs in the wild on sandy bluffs along the seashore and also in peat bogs at higher elevations, where it  becomes a natural bonsai.

The short, dark green needles are 1-2½” long and curve slightly while the cones are ¾ - 2.”

Usually a small tree, it can reach heights of 50’ with intricate branching forms.

It is fantastic in a small garden or as a hedge. A quick way to establish a native garden framework from bare ground is to plant a variety of small to large Shore pines.