Yellow pine – Pinus ponderosa

Yellow pine (Pinus ponderosa) is the state tree of Montana and one of many pine species that require very light habitats. It has exceptionally long needles compared to other trees in the pine family (Pinaceae) and copes well with drought. Acid-loving plants such as rhododendrons can thrive under the pine's sparse crown. In its natural habitat in the Siskiyou Mountains in the USA, the pine species, which can reach heights of 70 metres, is partly endangered by Douglas fir monocultures and severe forest fires.