Lodgepole Pine

Lodgepole Pine - Pinus contorta latifolia

Pinus is from the Greek pinos referring to the habitat- mountain or rock; contorta is from the Latin contortus, meaning twisted or irregularly bent; latilolia means broad-leaved foliage. Also known as Bird’s Eye Pine, Screw Pine and Tamarack Pine this tree is the most common pine of the Northern Rockies.

The cone scales only open readily in presence of heat and wide seeding occurs following a forest fire. Thus Lodgepole is one of the first trees to regenerate after a fire and is a good indicator of places where fire has struck. The shafts of this tree were used by the Indians in building lodges.

This dominant species of the higher elevations is rarely grown as a landscape subject. In its native habitat, this pine grows in dense “dog hair” stands. With the lower branches shaded out, the trees form tall, straight timbers used extensively for log cabins, thus the common name “lodgepole.” The fine specimen at this Post is more fully branched than those found in native stands because it is growing without competition.

Lodgepole pine can be recognized by the short, light-green needles (1/2”- 3 1/2” long) which tend to twist slightly. The cones often remain closed for a long period and seem to be attached to the stem without a stalk. Cones often remain on so long that they become buried in the wood as the tree grows. If used at lower elevations, it is recommended that it be placed only in well-drained soils.

This species is considered an inland variety of the Shore Pine (Pinus contorta) of the Alaskan and northern United States Pacific coastal area. The latter is a low, scrubby pine resembling the Rocky Mountain variety, latifolia, only in foliage and cone characteristics.

Other Denver locations

Found throughout the area and largely collected from the mountains.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lodgepole_Pine