Ponderosa pine is one of the most widely distributed pines in western North America. P. ponderosa reaches heights of 180 feet with diameters of 4 feet. It has a pyramidal crown when young but maturing to a flat crown. One identifier is the bark has a vanilla-like smell.

Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), also called western yellow pine, is one of the most widely distributed pines in western North America. A major source of timber, ponderosa pine forests are also important as wildlife habitat, for recreational use, and for esthetic values. Within its extensive range, two varieties of the species currently are recognized: Pinus ponderosa var. ponderosa (Pacific ponderosa pine) (typical) and var. scopulorum (Rocky Mountain ponderosa pine) (10). Arizona pine (P. arizonica), sometimes classified as a variety of ponderosa pine (12,36,51), is presently recognized as a separate species (45).

(Info courtesy of www.forestry.about.com)

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