FLORA OF THE VALLEY : Monterey Pine

The Monterey pine, which thrives in the central coastal regions of its native California, is one of the most widely planted trees in the Western Hemisphere.

Even in drier inland areas, the pine with its irregular, open crown is a common sight along streets and in parks, largely because of its rich green and thick branches. In protected areas, the Monterey pine (Pinus radiata) is symmetrical and has a straight trunk. But, in wind-swept terrain, the tree takes on irregular, grotesque forms and the trunk is less upright.

Native Monterey pines, which grow 50 to 100 feet tall, are generally found in Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties. They are not native to other states.

The tree’s slender needles measure five inches long, in bunches of two and three. Its deeply fissured bark is dark brown or black.

It is unlikely that the Monterey pine will ever become extinct. Its cones remain closed until opened by heat, usually from a forest fire; the abundant seeds then drop to the ground, beginning a new forest.

The oval cones also may burst open in hot weather, making a snapping sound. The cones are three to seven inches long, with light brown, rounded scales tipped with a small, white prickle.

Here, botanists can find the tree in the Sepulveda Basin near Woodley Park.