Coulter Pine
The Coulter Pine (Pinus coulteri} is a native of coastal mountains of southern California and Baja California. This erect, medium-sized pine prefers south-facing slopes above 300 m elevation, and tolerates dry rocky soil. The tree most often appears in mixed forests. The species is named after Thomas Coulter, an Irish botanist.
The size ranges from 10-24 m high and a trunk diameter up to 1 m. The trunk is vertical and branches horizontal. The needles are in bundles of three, 15-30 cm long. The outstanding characteristic of this tree is the presence of large, spiny cones (20-40 cm long), which may weigh 2-4 kg. The wood is weak and soft, so that the species is used for firewood, and as an ornamental.
The Coulter Pine is also commonly known as Big-cone Pine.
