Leaves of three, leave it be! That familiar phrase taught me to recognize (and avoid!) poison ivy, and poison oak. This weeks tree has tufts of needles on the ends of its branches. This tuft has many clusters of three leaves (needles), called fascicles. Fascicles are a-okay!
This weeks tree is the Ponderosa Pine!
- Scientific Name: Pinus ponderosa
- Family: Pinaceae (Pine)
- Common Names: Ponderosa Pine, Western Yellow Pine, Yellow Pine, Blackjack Pine, or Bull Pine
- Height: 60-100’ feet tall 25-30’ spread
- Bark: Cinnamon colored, with orange/yellow tones as it ages, young trees have dark brown bark. The bark has a sweet smell.
This pine has wide spreading roots, and also a deep taproot which makes them resistant to strong winds. The thick bark on mature trees gives them fire-resistance capabilities as well.
The seeds from the cones provide food for a variety of wildlife, such as birds, small mammals. The needles, small branches and the bark are food for porcupines, deer and elk. Even the dead trees (known as snags) are homes for nesting wildlife, and bats often roost in the trees during the day!
To date, the Ponderosa Pine is highlighted in the Baby Ranger Book One Two Three Grand Canyon
As always- get out there and explore- go on adventures and make memories!!
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