Torrey pine. Upright and straight-trunked tree away from ocean winds, otherwise low and crooked with a broad crown. Mature specimens grow 40-60’ tall and 25-40’ wide, but can reach 80’ high in favorable sites. The long (8-13”) gray-green needles are held in fascicles of five at the ends of branches creating a striking silhouette, and the cones are chocolate brown, 4-6” long. Tolerant of salt spray, wind, heat and drought though stronger in a garden setting, the torrey pine can also be used in warm, dry inland locations with moderate supplemental water. It is also resistant to oak root fungus with a moderate growth rate. Avoid pruning, as cuts tend to die back to the trunk. Hardy to 15F. Distribution limited to San Diego County at the mouth of Soledad River, and Santa Rosa Island, California.
