Monterey Pine
Pinus radiata
- Native to:
- Mexican Pacific Is., Mexico, United States
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Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Pinaceae
- Genus:
- Pinus
- Species:
- Pinus radiata
- USDA Symbol:
- PIRA2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 6100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★★ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
- Hummingbirds:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Argyresthia pilatella, Epinotia hopkinsana, Gloveria arizonensis, Mimosa webworm (Exoteleia burkei), Nantucket pine tip moth (Rhyacionia frustrana), orange tortrix moth (Argyrotaenia citrana), Rhyacionia pasadenana, sequoia pitch moth (Synanthedon sequoiae), Silver-spotted Tiger Moth (Lophocampa argentata), Splendid Royal Moth (Citheronia splendens), Umber Moth (Nepytia umbrosaria), Velda pinemoth (Coloradia velda), Entomologist's hairstreak (Incisalia eryphon)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Butterflies:Western Pine (Callophrys eryphon)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Serotinous cones open after fire; thick bark provides some protection; regenerates well after moderate fire.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to coastal areas with poor soil fertility
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment; sow in well-drained seedbed with light covering.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 90 days.
Notes: Seeds require light for germination.
Source: Claude AI
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)