Sugar Pine
Pinus lambertiana
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Pinaceae
- Genus:
- Pinus
- Species:
- Pinus lambertiana
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- More than 40 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- mar, apr, may
- Bloom Colors:
- Brown
Native Range
United States: California, Nevada, Oregon
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Douglas-fir tussock moth (Orgyia pseudotsugata), Pandora moth (Coloradia pandora), sequoia pitch moth (Synanthedon sequoiae), Silver-spotted Tiger Moth (Lophocampa argentata), Sugar pine tortrix (Choristoneura lambertiana)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Hummingbirds: Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope), Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Prefers deep soils in mountainous regions
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Seeds are placed in cold moist stratification for 90 days or soaked in cold running water for 48 hours, then placed in cold stratification rooms for 30 to 45 days. Rooms are equipped with foggers to keep the seed moist at all times. Temperatures are set at 1C (33F). Seed is monitored daily to detect seed mold. If mold is found, the seed is hosed down with water.
Establishment: Most seed comes from wild collections, with the remainder coming from seed orchards managed by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. All seed is kept separate by the collection area, elevation and date collected. All seed is collected in the fall.
Source: npn.rngr.net