(36) 



Other names that have been associated with it include Black, Mur- 

 ray, Pitch, Prickly, Red, Spruce, Tamarack, Tamrac, and even 

 White Pine. 



The Lodgepole Pine is characterized by very short needles in 

 twos and orange-colored branchlets. From other two-leaved pines 

 it may be distinguished by the twisted or stunted appearance of the 

 branches, the short twisted yellowish-green leaves and the long 

 buds encrusted with resin. 



The lumber of this tree is inferior to that of other western pines, 

 though it is employed to some extent for local purposes. The 

 greatest value of the species probably lies in its peculiar ability to 

 regenerate cut-over and burned lands. The trees themselves suffer 

 severely from fires but are otherwise benefited, for through con- 

 flagration the seeds which are sealed in the cones by accumulated 

 resin are liberated and allowed to germinate. Reproduction on 

 burned over areas, consequently, is very good. Moreover, the 

 seeds themselves have remarkable vitality and in spite of long 

 imprisonment that may occur before liberation they do not seem 

 to suffer. 



The Lodgepole Pine very frequently is regarded not as a dis- 

 tinct species but merely as a variety of the western coastal Scrub 

 Pine, P. contorta. It is usually found under more favorable con- 

 ditions than the Scrub Pine and the difference may be entirely 

 due to soil and shelter. The growth is more vigorous, the leaves 

 are broader and the cones larger. Like most conifers, the Lodge- 

 pole objects to limestone. It gives excellent results, however, on 

 dry gravelly soils and is very intolerant of shade. 



The next four larger trees farther along and set back from the 

 path are 



Pinus rigida, the Pitch Pine 



The Pitch Pine offers little of ornamental value unless its 

 scrubby appearance just suits a particular location. On dry rocky 

 slopes or sandy areas it may be the only successful tree along with 

 the Jack Pine and there become very picturesque when old. It is 

 hardy and growth is quite rapid. 



