Kruckeberg Garden Plant of the Month

Photo Walter Siegmund. WikiCommons

By Sarah Baker, Garden Director

Evergreen conifer trees such often fade into a garden’s background, overshadowed by the more showy flowering plants. However, they simply must be appreciated for their beauty, steadfastness, and in August, shade! Shore pine (Pinus contorta var. contorta) is one such conifer that we appreciate at the Garden. One of several pine species native to the Northwest, our shore pine was planted in the 1960’s. Now, it is full sized and is one of many conifer species found in the Garden.

Pinus contorta is a widespread native from Puget Sound to the other side of the Cascades. Such a widespread species is certain to have some discrete varieties. Variety contorta, shore pine, is found along the coast from southern Alaska to California. Variety latifolia, lodgepole pine, a taller and more montane form, grows east of the Cascades and in the Rocky mountains. Other varieties exist, but are not found in Washington.

Tough and tolerant of a variety of habitats, shore pine is a great evergreen tree for gardens that can accommodate its eventual height of 40-50 feet. Preferring full sun, it will tolerate almost any dry to wet soil, even including boggy conditions.

Keep shore pine in mind when planting with for wildlife. Its relatively small stature is a gift for space-limited gardeners who are intimidated by our larger native conifers. Conifer trees are essential habitat components, providing year-round shelter for birds and food for many butterflies and moths. Suburban and urban areas often have few conifers tree remaining, so plant one when you can.