Washoe Pine

(Pinus washoensis)

Color Photographs: © by and courtesy of Gary A. Monroe, USDA Plants Database

Color Photograph: © by and courtesy of Susan McDougall, USDA Plants Database

Walshoe Pine (Pinus washoensis)

Identifying Characters: Washoe Pine is best identified by a combination of its restricted range in western Nevada and northeastern California and the triangular, tapering shape of the tree.

Similar Species: Washoe Pine is very similar to Ponderosa Pine (and may be a local variant of that species). Washoe Pine is a small tree and the shape of the tree is more tapering and triangular than that of Ponderosa Pine. Washoe Pine typically occurs at slightly higher elevations than Ponderosa Pine (although not always). The primary differences usually listed are fairly technical ones involving the cones.

Measurements: A medium size tree, triangular in shape tapering toward the spreading crown; height 40 to 60 feet and diameter at breast height 2 to 3 feet.

Cones: Cones are 2 to 4 inches in length and are conical to ovate in shape; the color is nut-brown and slightly shiny; a stalk is absent; cone scales have a raised keel and end in a stout, sharp, slightly recurved spine.

Needles: Needles are in bundles of 3 and 4 to 6 inches in length; needle sheath deciduous after the first year; needles stiff, stout, gray-green.

Bark: Bark yellow-brown to dark brown, broken into scaly ridges and plates.

Native Range: Washoe Pine is a rare and very local species known from a few areas in Washoe County of western Nevada and adjacent areas of northeastern California.

Habitat: Washoe Pine occurs along rocky slopes and ridges at high elevations between 7000 and 8000 feet. The species occurs either in small isolated pure stands or mixed with other conifers.

Note: Washoe Pine is considered by some botanists to be a local variety of Ponderosa Pine.