Pinus torreyana
Island torrey pine
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Family: Pinaceae · Type: Tree · Native
Pinus torreyana (Island torrey pine) is a native California tree in the Pinaceae family, recognized by Coastal relict, Santa Rosa I. & s SCo only; 5 long stiff needles, heavy cones — locality near-diagnostic.
Island torrey pine is a California native shrub found in coastal regions with limited natural distribution, typically growing near ocean environments at elevations close to sea level. Flowering time not specified, this distinctive pine produces grayish-yellow to gray-blue-green needles arranged in clusters of five, creating a soft, textured appearance. Growing as a relatively small tree with mature trunks reaching up to 23 meters tall, it develops an open, rounded crown with many large branches and distinctive red-brown bark with irregular furrows. Its needles are notably stiff, measuring 15 to 26 centimeters long, with persistent sheaths that contribute to the plant's rugged character. The seed cones are spreading or recurved, less than 16 centimeters long, with dark brown scales that open slowly in the third year and remain on the tree for up to 15 years.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Coastal relict, Santa Rosa I. & s SCo only; 5 long stiff needles, heavy cones — locality near-diagnostic
Habitat and range
California counties: Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Marin, Alameda, Riverside, San Luis Obispo, Monterey
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 torreyana native to California?
Yes. Pinus torreyana is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Pinus torreyana grow?
Pinus torreyana occurs in Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Marin, Alameda, Riverside, San Luis Obispo and other counties.
What plant family does Pinus torreyana belong to?
Pinus torreyana is in the Pinaceae family, genus Pinus.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Pinus torreyana subsp. insularis — Santa rosa island torrey pine
- Pinus torreyana subsp. torreyana — Torrey pine
- Pinus albicaulis — Whitebark pine
- Pinus attenuata — Knobcone pine
- Pinus balfouriana — Foxtail pine
- Pinus balfouriana subsp. austrina
- Pseudotsuga macrocarpa — Bigcone douglas-fir
- Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii — Douglas-fir
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.