How much sun does Bigcone pine need?

Bigcone pine grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Bigcone pine bloom?

Bigcone pine blooms in April and May.

Where is Bigcone pine native?

Bigcone pine (Pinus coulteri) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Bigcone pine

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Pinus coulteri

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Bigcone pine (Pinus coulteri) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

360"–960" H × 240"–360" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A large evergreen conifer with long, stiff, blue-green needles in bundles of three and massive, heavy cones armed with hooked spines. Grows on dry slopes and ridges, tolerating poor soil and drought once established.

Wildlife value

The enormous cones and seeds are an important food source for squirrels and jays, and the open canopy provides nesting sites for raptors.

Common questions

How much sun does Bigcone pine need?: Bigcone pine grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Bigcone pine bloom?: Bigcone pine blooms in April and May.
Where is Bigcone pine native?: Bigcone pine (Pinus coulteri) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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Common plant problems, and what to check first

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