Torrey Pine is the rarest native pine in the United States, existing in only two wild populations: one near La Jolla in San Diego County and one on Santa Rosa Island. Fewer than 10,000 wild trees survive. The trees have a distinctive windswept, irregular form sculpted by coastal winds and can live several hundred years. They produce some of the largest pine seeds of any North American species. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve protects the mainland population and is a beloved conservation landmark.
Best time to see a Torrey Pine
The best time to see a Torrey Pine is January–July, when about 68% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 4,143 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Torrey Pine? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Torrey Pine sightings near you
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