Sugar Pine, Big Pine, Giant pine
Pinus lambertiana
Family: Pinaceae
What it is like
A large tree. It grows 45-60 m high. It spreads 6 m wide. The crown is narrow and irregular. The needles are stiff and sharp. They are bluish. The cones hang down. They are 50 cm long. They are on long stalks. The kernels can be 1.25 cm long.
There are over 100 species of Pinus.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It prefers cool, dry summers and very cold winters. It suits hardiness zones 7-9. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Bolivia, Mexico, North America, Tasmania, USA
How it is used for food
The resin from the bark is sweet. It forms lumps of sugary substance used for sweetening foods. CAUTION It should not be eaten in large amounts. The sweet kernel of the nuts is eaten raw, roasted or pounded and used in cakes.
Edible parts
Seeds, gum, sap, manna
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seeds.
Its other names
Local names
California sugar pine, Ocote, Pino de azacur