Knobcone pine
Pinus attenuata
Last reviewed: October 2026
Knobcone pine (Pinus attenuata) is a perennial tree native to CA, OR. It blooms in April and May.
Toxicity unknown
Knobcone pine (Pinus attenuata) 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
240"–960" H × 180"–360" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
CA, OR
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 459 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 fire-adapted conifer with an irregular, often asymmetrical crown and sealed cones that stay closed on the branches for years, only opening in intense heat. The persistent whorls of retained cones give it a cluttered, wild silhouette rather than a groomed one.
Growing Knobcone pine
Grow Knobcone pine in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 240 to 960 inches tall and spread 180 to 360 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Retained cones provide a long-term seed reserve for birds and squirrels, especially valuable after fire.
Common questions
- How much sun does Knobcone pine need?
- Knobcone pine grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Knobcone pine bloom?
- Knobcone pine blooms in April and May.
- Where is Knobcone pine native?
- Knobcone pine (Pinus attenuata) is native to CA, OR, 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.
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 Knobcone pine? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.