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
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Torrey Pine? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Torrey Pine is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love plants? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.