Lodgepole Pine

Pinus contorta

Lodgepole Pine

• Jack pine

• Needles short, 2/bundle

• Pole like trunk

• Dense stands

• Two varieties

• Alpine varieties less crowded, much larger trunks

Ecology

• Fire and beetle important mortality factors• Uniform stands a function of mortality by fire.

Older trees accumulate dead lower branches and old cones that are sealed by resin. Tremendous fuel capacity.

• Seed are only released at high temperatures• Ponderosa, Mule deer, Elk, Squirrels, chipmunks,

Ravens, Grouse and many other birds