Lodgepole pine
Lodgepole pine navigation
The lodgepole pine, or botanical name - Pinus contorta var. latifolia, is an inland variety of the American shore pine. Indigenous people used its straight stem for the central support pole of their lodges.
The tree was introduced to Britain in 1855. Its remarkable tolerance to poor soil helped it quickly win favour as a timber crop in the north of Britain.
Facts and statistics
Here are some interesting facts about lodgepole pine.
Grows to 40 to 50 metres.
Twisted yellowish-green needles found in pairs that measure 5 to 8cm long. The tree tends to lose its lower branches as it matures to 24 metres in height.
Cones with prickly scales that need high temperatures to open and release seeds.
The Lodgepole pine’s bark is variable but typically red-brown with fine curled flakes.
Pacific coast of North America.
Roofing, flooring and other joinery. It is also used in chipboard and paper pulp.