Sugar Pine

The Sugar Pine is the largest species of the pines. Called the most princely of the genus by David Douglas who discovered them all you have to do is stand next to one of these giants to understand what he meant.

Sugar Pine can be as easy to recognize in the forest as the Ponderosa. Once you know the bark that will help you need to look up at the long straight branches weighted down with 12” to 16” cones. Sugar Pine branches protrude from the trunk farther than any other tree in their growing range.

Sugar Pines still occupy a small hold on the southern portion of Oregon and Northern California, largely in part to a White Pine Blister Rust that was introduced from Europe in 1909. This same rust had a devastating affect on many pines in the northwest.

Like all pines, the Sugar Pine produces a very workable lumber that has visited many a high school wood shop. This variety of pine commands a higher price because of its dimensional stability and affinity for glue.

Sugar Pine Links

Check out these links about this wonderful pine species. It has a history that will surpirse you and some amazing traits.