California mountain pine
Pinus monticola
Last reviewed: October 2026
California mountain pine (Pinus monticola) is a perennial tree native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 2 more states. It blooms in May and June.
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 460 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
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.
Growing California mountain pine
Grow California mountain pine in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 600 to 2160 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 inches wide.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow California mountain pine? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.