Pinus contorta var. latifolia (Lodgepole Pine)

Pinus contorta var. latifolia is a common evergreen tree in Western North America, originating from the Rocky Mountains, the Yukon to Colorado and across to Alaska.

Lodgepole Pine is the Provincial tree of Alberta, Canada. Used by native American Indians to construct thier teepees as the trunks are very straight. This pine is used for its gum, resin and wood.

Pinus contorta var. latifolia as a Christmas tree

Generally has a good tight shape and covered with long needles which are yellowish green in colour. There is no noticable scent to the tree. Decorating the tree is not particularly easy as the needles are very long, but hiding the light cables is pretty easy as it is quite busy by nature.

Branches do not droop much but what does tend to happen is the tree opens in much the same way that a fir cone opens when first put into a warm environment.

Very little needle drop to these trees but that is a good job as the needles would be difficult to pick up if it did.