Unknown pine at UBC

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by Daniel Mosquin, May 17, 2004.

  1. Daniel Mosquin

    Daniel Mosquin Paragon of Plants UBC Botanical Garden Forums Administrator Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Location:
    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    The following was received via email:

    I photographed this cone near the Totem Park Residences at UBC. It is somewhat one-sided. would you know which pine this is?
     

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  2. mr.shep

    mr.shep Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    Location:
    San Joaquin Valley, California
    Hi Daniel:

    Is there any way the person that sent in the picture of the
    pine cone can offer an image of the tree in question? Are
    all the cones "closed" and are all of them roughly the same
    size and shape? Then, if it is possible to learn, how many
    needles are there to a bundle, such as needles in 2's, 3's,
    and 5's and is there a white band on the backside of the
    needle?

    Thanks for your help,

    Jim
     
  3. lkliewer

    lkliewer Active Member 10 Years

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    Location:
    Kelowna, BC
    Pine

    It sure looks like the pine cones that the squirrel in our back yard throws down on us when we are having a BBQ. We call them Ponderosa pines but I have heard them called Yellow pines. The needles are 6+ inches. The cones are usually about 4"+ long and usually open after lying on the ground for a few days. They have quite sharp points on each "petal" that can be quite painful....

    Hope this helps....
     
  4. mr.shep

    mr.shep Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    Location:
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    The reason I asked the question about closed cone pine is that there are
    several forms that remain closed to protect the seeds and will open up
    in extreme heat, in most cases fire. Pinus aristata, Pinus attenuata,
    Pinus contorta (varieties 'Latifolia', 'Contorta' and 'Bolanderi' inclusive),
    Pinus murricata and Pinus radiata to name a few are principally noted
    as being closed cone Pines. I know one of the forms mentioned above
    does indeed grow in many parts of British Columbia. Tell me the number
    of needles to a bundle as well as are all the cones closed and roughly the
    same size and shape and I will pretty well know which Pine this one is.

    I've had a rather large collection of species and varieties of Pines longer
    than I've had Japanese Maples. At last count I have 21 named "Goyos",
    Pinus parviflora cultivars. I thought it was cute years ago to introduce
    many Conifers through the years at my cabin near Yosemite. I've had
    some good luck but I've also had a few lost battles, especially with the
    golden needled forms of Spruce. They along with "Tsugies", Hemlocks,
    just do not like our heat with no marine air, even at a 5,000' elevation.

    I know you were trying to help and yes, there are times even for us
    that Ponderosa Pines will have their cones drop without opening.
    Typical Ponderosa pine cones for us are about 6-8 inches, 15-20 1/2
    cm in length which makes them way too large to be the example shown.

    Best regards,

    Jim
     

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