Beach Pine
Pinus contortafam. Pinaceae
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Pl. 3472 — Pinus contorta
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IOverview
Overview
Beach Pine (Pinus contorta) is a tree native to the coastal regions and mountainous areas of western North America, including Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and parts of Mexico. Known for its edible and medicinal properties, this pine species thrives in light and medium soils that are dry, moist, or wet. Its inner bark, sap, and seeds can be consumed, making it a valuable resource for local communities. Beach Pine is also recognized for its distinctive contorted branches, which give the tree an unusual and attractive appearance. This hardy plant grows to about 15 meters in height and prefers soil with a pH between 6.2 and 7.5.
Quick answers
What is Beach Pine?
Beach Pine (Pinus contorta) is a tree native to the coastal regions and mountainous areas of western North America, including Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and parts of Mexico.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Beach Pine thrives in light to moist conditions and prefers sandy or medium soils with a pH between 6.2 and 7.5. It is hardy in temperate regions, generally zones 1-7. This tree requires full sun to partial shade and can grow up to 15 meters tall. For propagation, use seeds or inner bark cuttings. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during seedling stages. Skip specific product recommendations as they are not provided in the data.
Light
7/10
Water
Dry, Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
1-7
Habit
Tree
Mature size
15.0 m tall
Soil pH
6.2–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Beach Pine for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple planting of Beach Pine to experience growing a tree from seed.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, potting mix, small containers or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining soil mix with pH between 6.2 and 7.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant seeds directly into the ground or in containers, covering them lightly.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged; provide partial shade if necessary.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly during dry periods and mulch to retain moisture. Protect from strong winds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young trees for shape, remove dead branches as needed; seeds can be harvested in late summer.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Inner barkSapSeed
Edible uses: Condiment, Gum
Other uses:AdhesiveDyeFire starterGumHerbicidePitchWeaving materialWaterproofingLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
17 native · 13 introduced
Distribution
17 native · 13 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 17 native· 13 introduced
Europe10 regions
introduced (10)DenmarkFinlandGermanyIcelandIrelandItalyNorwayRomaniaSwedenUnited Kingdom
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Colorado, Idaho, Mexico Northwest, Montana, Nevada, Northwest Territorie, Oregon, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Yukon, British Columbia, California
introduced:New South Wales, Føroyar, Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Pinaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Pinaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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