Torrey Pine
Pinus torreyana
Torrey Pine is the rarest native pine in the United States, found wild in only two coastal California locations. It has long needles in bundles of five and large, heavy cones.
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low to moderate; drought-tolerant
- Difficulty
- Moderate
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Overview
Torrey Pine (Pinus torreyana) is one of the rarest pines in the world, native to a tiny stretch of the Southern California coast and Santa Rosa Island. In the wild it is restricted to two small, protected populations.
Wind-sculpted and picturesque on coastal bluffs, it is much larger and more vigorous when planted in cultivation. It is named after American botanist John Torrey.
How to identify it
- Needles: Long, stout, 20-30 cm, in bundles of five, grey-green, clustered toward branch ends
- Cones: Large, heavy, broadly egg-shaped cones 10-15 cm, taking three years to mature, holding big wingless seeds
- Habit: In the wild a gnarled, wind-shaped tree 8-15 m; in cultivation tall and straight to 25 m or more
- Bark: Reddish-brown, deeply furrowed
- Its very long five-needle bundles and large heavy cones on the Southern California coast are distinctive
Care & growing
Light: Full sun.
Water: Drought-tolerant once established; tolerates coastal fog and lean conditions, but grows faster with occasional water when young.
Soil: Sandy, well-drained soils; tolerant of poor, dry coastal ground.
Temperature: Hardy to USDA zone 8; adapted to mild maritime climates and salt-laden wind.
Feeding: Minimal.
Propagation: From its large seeds.
Habitat & origin
Native to just two areas of California: the mainland population at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve near San Diego (Del Mar) and a separate population on Santa Rosa Island in the Channel Islands. It grows on sandstone bluffs and sandy coastal slopes within reach of ocean fog.
The wild populations are small and strictly protected. The species is, however, widely planted as an ornamental and street tree in California, Australia, and other mild regions, where it grows much larger.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Torrey Pine so rare?
In the wild it survives in only two small relict populations on the Southern California coast and Santa Rosa Island, both now protected.
How many needles does it have?
Five long needles per bundle, among the longest of California's pines.
Does it grow bigger in gardens?
Yes. Wind-stunted in the wild, it grows tall and vigorous when cultivated with more water and shelter.
Torrey Pine guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Torrey Pine.
