Form: This is a medium sized tree reaching 50 to 100 ft. in height and a dbh of 1 1/2 to 3 ft. It has an open irregular crown.

Needles:
             

Arrangement: 3 per fascicle

Length: 4-6" long

Shape: shiny green; flexible

Other: Needles persist on stems for 3 yrs.

 

Bark: The bark is thick with deep ridges and furrows. It has a dark reddish-brown color.

Cones: The cones are egg-shaped, 3-7" long, yellowish-brown and asymmetrical. They remain closed for many years and are usually clustered in dense whorls.

Distinguishing characteristics: This tree has an open irregular crown, serotinous cones, a very small range, and three needles per fascicle. In addition the bark has deep ridges and furrows.

Range: This species is natively found in coastal areas in central California.

Silvics: This tree occurs on dry soils with humid air.

Ecological and cultural importance: The species has little commercial value in the U.S. However, it is commercially important in other parts of the world. Goats and black-tailed deer browse this species.