How much sun does California mountain pine need?

California mountain pine grows best in full sun conditions.

When does California mountain pine bloom?

California mountain pine blooms in May and June.

Where is California mountain pine native?

California mountain pine (Pinus monticola) is native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

California mountain pine

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Pinus monticola

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

California mountain pine (Pinus monticola) 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

medium

Size

600"–2160" H × 240"–480" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

CA, ID, MT, NV and 2 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range

A tall, straight-trunked conifer with soft, blue-green needles in bundles of five and long, slender cones. Develops a symmetrical, spire-like crown with age and smooth gray bark that becomes plated over time.

Wildlife value

Provides year-round nesting and roosting cover for birds; the seeds in mature cones are an important food source for squirrels and birds.

Common questions

How much sun does California mountain pine need?: California mountain pine grows best in full sun conditions.
When does California mountain pine bloom?: California mountain pine blooms in May and June.
Where is California mountain pine native?: California mountain pine (Pinus monticola) is native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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