Pinus contorta subsp. contorta
Shore pine, Shore Pine
(c) John Brew, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by John Brew · licence
Family: Pinaceae · Type: Tree · Native
Pinus contorta subsp. contorta (Shore pine) is a native California tree in the Pinaceae family, recognized by Coastal habitat and persistent asymmetric cones distinguish from inland subspecies.
Shore pine is a California native shrub found in the North Coast bioregion on coastal dunes and bluffs at elevations below 150 meters. The plant does not have typical flowering time data available. Growing as a distinctive coastal conifer with trunks generally less than 15 meters tall, this pine develops an asymmetric form adapted to harsh maritime environments. Its seed cones remain attached to the stem for many years after opening, creating a unique persistent structural element. The shore pine represents a rugged, wind-shaped species specially adapted to challenging coastal landscape conditions.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Coastal habitat and persistent asymmetric cones distinguish from inland subspecies
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal dunes, bluffs lacking clay-, hardpan
Elevation: < 150 m
California counties: Mendocino, Humboldt, Del Norte
Outside California: to Alaska
How to tell it apart
vs Pseudotsuga: Pine needles come bundled in groups with papery sheaths; Douglas-fir needles attach individually to smooth twigs.; vs Abies: Pine needles come bundled in groups of 2-5; fir needles attach individually and directly to twigs.; vs Sequoia: Pine has bundled needles in groups of 2-5; redwood has individual scale-like or awl-shaped leaves on flat sprays.; vs Casuarina: Pine has true needles bundled in groups; Casuarina has jointed branchlets with whorls of tiny scale leaves.; vs Cedrus: Pine needles are bundled in tight clusters of 2-5; cedar needles grow in dense rosette-like clusters on short shoots.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pinus contorta subsp. contorta native to California?
Yes. Pinus contorta subsp. contorta is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Pinus contorta subsp. contorta grow?
Pinus contorta subsp. contorta occurs in Mendocino, Humboldt, Del Norte, at elevations of < 150 m.
What plant family does Pinus contorta subsp. contorta belong to?
Pinus contorta subsp. contorta is in the Pinaceae family, genus Pinus.
What habitat does Pinus contorta subsp. contorta grow in?
Pinus contorta subsp. contorta grows in Coastal dunes, bluffs lacking clay-, hardpan.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.