Twisted-Branch Pine Pinus contorta

Shore pine is a medium to large, short-needled evergreen tree or shrub that has a broad habit with a rounded crown. It may grow from 40 to 50 feet tall. Depending on the variety or cultivar, some may grow as shrubs and measure 3.5 to 10 feet tall. The distinctive feature of this evergreen is its needles which are short and grow in groups of two alternately along the stem. The woody cones are egg-shaped and tend to point back toward the stem. The stems are cinnamon or orangish-brown colored. The trunk of the tree is twisted or contorted in shape. This tree or shrub is a member of the Pinaceae or pine family. 

The shore pine tree is a native of Alaska and the Yukon to Washington, Oregon, California coasts, and as far east as the Rocky Mountains. It is the only pine in the Pacific Northwest that has short needles in bundles of two. Its native habitats include wetlands, estuaries, forests, coastal bluffs, and rocky areas. 

The genus name, Pinus, originates from the Latin word for "pines." The species name, contorta, means "twisted." This refers to the contorted, twisted, or gnarled shape that results from coastal winds. The common name, shore pine, is derived from the tree's native habitat which includes rocky shores. The common name, lodgepole pine, refers to its use by Native Americans for building their teepees.

The shore pine prefers full sun and is tolerant of a wide variety of soil conditions. It can grow in peat bogs, sandy areas, or gravelly soils. It is wind, poor soil, and salt spray tolerant. It may be propagated by seeds.

The bark may be reddish-brown to gray and scaly or furrowed. Pitch may be present on the trunk of the tree. Pollen cones are present from April to June. The seedy woody cones mature in 16 to 20 months after pollination. Some cones open immediately at maturity to release their seeds while others will not open for several years. Birds and small mammals use the seeds as a food source.  

The shore pine would be a great addition to a seaside landscape or Japanese Garden. It may also be used as a bonsai plant.

Quick ID Hints:

• conifer, evergreen, twisted, contorted, or gnarled trunk with a bushy habit
• grayish-brown to dark brown thin, scaly bark
• orangish-brown to brown twigs with resinous reddish-brown buds
• short, yellow-greenish to green needles that appear in bundles of two
• woody light brown to brown cones that are egg-shaped and tend to point back to the stem

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  The shore pine has no serious insect or disease problems. Aphids, sawflies, and moths may be seen. 

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University