Lodgepole pine
Pinus contorta
Lodgepole pine belongs to a remarkably variable species. Inland mountain trees can be tall and straight, while coastal shore pines can have a much more wind-shaped form.
- Needles per bundle
- 2
- Typical height
- Varies by variety
- Typical spread
- Varies by variety
- USDA hardiness
- Varies by variety
Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) is associated with western north america. Look for 2 needles per bundle, then confirm with other features and a regional identification guide.
How to recognize lodgepole pine
Needles occur in pairs. Combine that clue with cones, bark, and local range. In Yellowstone, lodgepole is the only native pine with two-needle bundles, but that shortcut does not hold everywhere.
Where it grows well
Start with the variety and seed origin, not just the common name. A coastal selection and a Rocky Mountain seedling should not be treated as interchangeable plants. Lodgepole pine needs abundant light.
Before you plant
Some populations hold seeds in cones that open with heat, while others release them more readily. Avoid trying fire treatments at home. For propagation, use documented nursery seed with instructions for the specific source.
Hardiness and size vary with local conditions and provenance. Use the figures here as a starting point, then confirm with a local nursery or extension service. A hardiness zone alone does not establish suitability.
Source & further reading
Source consulted October 21, 2026. This profile is an editorial synthesis, not an on-site assessment.