Pinus torreyana subsp. torreyana
Torrey pine, Torrey Pine
Photo: parent species Pinus torreyana · (c) CK2AZ, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Pinaceae · Type: Tree · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Pinus torreyana subsp. torreyana (Torrey pine) is a native California tree in the Pinaceae family, recognized by extreme geographic restriction, needle color, cone characteristics, and large seeds.
Torrey pine is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native shrub found in southern coastal California on ocean bluffs and coastal scrub at elevations below 200 meters. Flowering times are not specified in the source data, this distinctive pine produces gray-yellow-green needles in sparse, well-spaced branches. Growing as a relatively small tree with a trunk less than 23 meters tall, it develops an open crown that is generally taller than wide in sheltered locations. Its needles are distinctive, contributing to the plant's unique appearance in its narrow coastal habitat. The seed cones are compact, with width generally less than 13.5 centimeters and containing seeds that are light to dark brown and typically less than 11 millimeters wide.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 4 sympatric species; distinguished by extreme geographic restriction, needle color, cone characteristics, and large seeds
Habitat and range
Habitat: Ocean bluffs, rapidly eroding Eocene sandstone; coastal scrub, chaparral
Elevation: < 200 m
California counties: San Diego, Santa Cruz
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
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 subsp. torreyana native to California?
Yes. Pinus torreyana subsp. torreyana is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Pinus torreyana subsp. torreyana grow?
Pinus torreyana subsp. torreyana occurs in San Diego, Santa Cruz, at elevations of < 200 m.
What plant family does Pinus torreyana subsp. torreyana belong to?
Pinus torreyana subsp. torreyana is in the Pinaceae family, genus Pinus.
Is Pinus torreyana subsp. torreyana rare or endangered?
Pinus torreyana subsp. torreyana carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1.
What habitat does Pinus torreyana subsp. torreyana grow in?
Pinus torreyana subsp. torreyana grows in Ocean bluffs, rapidly eroding Eocene sandstone; coastal scrub, chaparral.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Pinus albicaulis — Whitebark pine
- Pinus attenuata — Knobcone pine
- Pinus balfouriana — Foxtail pine
- Pinus balfouriana subsp. austrina
- Pinus balfouriana subsp. balfouriana
- Pinus contorta — Beach pine
- Pseudotsuga macrocarpa — Bigcone douglas-fir
- Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii — Douglas-fir
- Pseudotsuga sp.
- Tsuga heterophylla — Western hemlock
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.