Habitat:
This pine reaches its greatest height in deep, well-drained loamy
soils, but can withstand a variety of soil conditions, sometimes growing
on almost bare rocks. Trees on thin, dry soil are often dwarfed. It is very
drought resistant and tolerates alkaline soils and soil salt. The ponderosa
pine requires a sunny, open location and is sometimes damaged by late frosts.
Diseases: This species is susceptible to many insect pests. In eastern Iowa, the more humid conditions encourage needle blight and Diplodia tip blight diseases in late summer, causing needle drop. Bark beetles, fungal infections and forest fires can cause serious damage
Distribution: Ponderosa pine is the most important pine in western North America, growing in commercial quantities in every state west of the Great Plains. It occurs from the Pacific Coast mountains and through the Rocky Mountains into northern Mexico.
