Not native to Iowa, the ponderosa pine occurs widely throughout the Rocky
Mountain region. It is one of our largest pines, reaching a height of 150
or more in its native habitat. It is hardy, drought resistant and has been
planted some in western Iowa for windbreaks and ornamental use.
The 5- to 8-inch yellow-green needles are coarse and quite stiff. The needles can occur in bundles of two and threes on the same tree.
The tan-brown cone is 3 to 6 inches long and armed with stout, slender barbs, usually hooked backward. The bottom portion of the cone scales often stay attached to the limb when the cone falls.
The twigs are short, thick and often many branched. On young trees the bark is dark brown to nearly black and is broken into ridges. On older trees the bark becomes orange colored to cinnamon red.
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