Taxonomy

Division:

Coniferophyta | - Conifers

Family:

Pinaceae

Genus:

Pinus

Species:

Pinus attenuata

USDA Symbol:

PIAT

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Tree

Height:

2400 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Reported Fauna Sightings

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Requires fire for germination

Fire Notes:

Highly serotinous species; cones remain closed for years until fire melts resin seal, releasing seeds onto freshly burned mineral soil. Classified as a fire-dependent obligate seeder.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

Commonly found in chaparral and dry slopes

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Serotinous cones require heat (fire or sustained high temperatures) to open and release seeds. Seeds germinate readily once released without further treatment.