Pinus torreyana

Common Names

Torrey Pine, Del Mar Pine, Soledad Pine, Torrey Pines, Lone Pine

Summary

Torrey pine is a rare evergreen conifer native to two coastal California populations, near Del Mar and the eastern end of Santa Rosa Island. It has a windswept, sculptural form with a crown that ranges from conical to irregular, long gray-green needles in bundles of five measuring 15–30 cm, and heavy cones that mature in about three years. The species depends on afternoon coastal fog for moisture and grows in dry, sandy soils within coastal sage scrub, with a deep taproot.

In cultivation, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil, with ample spacing of 8–12 m; once established, it becomes drought-tolerant. It is hardy to USDA Zone 8 and is grown as an ornamental in warm temperate gardens and coastal plantings, where it serves as a specimen tree or windbreak. Wild populations are protected in Torrey Pines State Reserve and on Santa Rosa Island, reflecting its conservation status as an endangered coastal conifer.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

40-60 feet

Spread

25-50 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained sandy loam soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil, preferably sandy or rocky; avoid waterlogged conditions.

Soil pH

5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic), Neutral, pH 8–10

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Winter

Foliage Color

Gray-green

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen needle

Growth Rate

Slow growth

Seasons of Interest

Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds