Torrey Pine (original) (raw)

The Torrey pine (Pinus torreyana) is the rarest pine in the U.S., found only along San Diego's coast and on two Channel Islands. This endangered tree grows 26–56 feet tall with long, gray-green needles in clusters of five and large, edible pine nuts in stout cones. It thrives in dry, sandy soils and coastal fog, often developing twisted, sculptural forms from wind exposure.

The pine nuts are a valuable food source for birds, small mammals, and other wildlife. Its dense canopy also provides nesting and shelter for birds.

Historically limited to about 100 trees in the early 20th century, conservation efforts have helped the wild population recover to around 3,000. Torrey pines are now planted in drought-tolerant landscapes and protected by local ordinances near their native range. In gardens with richer soil and more water, they can grow over 100 feet tall.

Size

25 - 150 ft Tall
25 - 50 ft Wide

Form

Mounding, Pyramidal, Rounded, Spreading, Upright Columnar

Growth rate

Fast, Moderate, Slow

Special uses

Bank stabilization

Summer irrigation

Max 1x / month once established

Cold tolerance

Tolerates cold to -5 - 5° F

Soil drainage

Fast, Medium

Soil description

Sandy soils, sandstone.
Soil PH: 8 - 10

Maintenance

Prune in winter when wood boring insects are less active.

Propagation

For propagating by seed: 1-3 mos. stratification ( USDA Forest Service 1974).

Site type

Sandy bluffs, sandstone cliffs

Plant communities

Chaparral, Coastal Sage Scrub

Butterflies and moths supported

1 confirmed and 20 likely

Polyphemus moth

Antheraea polyphemus

Orange Tortrix Moth

Argyrotaenia franciscana

Common names:

De Mar Pine, Soledad Pine

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