by DaySounds © 2013-17
Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta)
and colds. Chewing the resin can alleviate sore throats as well. The cambium, as with all Colorado evergreens,
can be used as emergency food because it is filled with nutrients. Inhaling the vapor from boiling needles can
clear the respiratory system; however, doing it for an extended period of time can hurt the lungs.
Warning: Pregnant women should avoid consuming the needles because it can induce a miscarriage.
Basic Identification:
Lodgepole pine trees have twisted needles about 2 inches long, growing in bundles of 2. Their bark is thin
and has light gray scales, with brown-orange inter-spaces in the more mature trees. Their cones are about
2 inches long and have hard scales--the ones containing the seeds have dorsal umbos ending in small prickles.
It is difficult to find open cones, on either the tree or the ground, because resin seals them from the inside, in
such a way that only high temperatures can melt it; therefore, usually, it is through fire that the cones open and
release the seeds, but not always--as you can observe in the pictures. At times, animals with powerful jaws,
like squirrels, do the job; at times it is a very hot, dry day. The trunks are usually straight and thin (about 17 inches
in mature trees). They are most abundant at altitudes of about 9,000 feet.
Please click on the picture in order to see more pictures.
© DaySounds
PO Box 2145
Estes Park, CO 80517
USA