The largest pine species in the world with needles up to 30 cm long!
The fast-growing and hardy golden pine is considered the largest pine species in the world and can reach an age of 500 years. Its valuable wood is very heavy, which is also the origin of its botanical name, ponderosa (weighty). The needles grow to an impressive 30 centimeters long, and the pine produces relatively large cones. The crown is conical and retains its pointed and slender shape even in old age. Its thick bark provides good protection against minor forest fires. In the USA, the tree has significant economic importance due to its yellowish-tinted wood. It is the official state tree of Montana.
Natural Habitat: The golden pine originates from the Rocky Mountains in western North America and is distributed from northern British Columbia to Mexico and eastward to Texas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Montana, and Colorado. It was only introduced to Europe at the beginning of the 19th century. Although it is hardy in Europe, it is rarely found in parks.
