Ponderosa Pine is the most widespread pine in North America, dominant from the Black Hills to the Pacific coast. Its bark smells of vanilla or butterscotch and turns orange-yellow in large plates as the tree ages. Open ponderosa pine forests support exceptional wildlife diversity, and its seeds are a key food for many birds and mammals.
Best time to see a Ponderosa Pine
The best time to see a Ponderosa Pine is March–August, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 46,004 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Ponderosa Pine? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Ponderosa Pine sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Ponderosa Pine?
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