Ponderosa pine

Pinus ponderosa Douglas ex C.Lawson

Family: Pinaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Horses: NC State lists the plant as a problem for horses but gives no detail, no part and no poison severity line. Dogs and cats: no statement in the sources. Treat as unknown. ASPCA's pages for this species disagree: four (Ponderosa Pine, Bull Pine, Western Yellow Pine, Yellow Pine) say toxic to horses with no dog or cat statement, while Blackjack Pine says non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 3a to 7b per NC State Plant Toolbox; Hardy to USDA 3 per Oregon State
Light: Full sun.
Water needs: low
Mature size: NC State: 60 to 125 ft tall and 25 to 30 ft wide (18 to 38 m tall, 7.5 to 9 m wide). Oregon State: 60 to 100 ft tall (18 to 30 m).
Where it comes from: NC State: mountain areas from British Columbia to Mexico and as far east as North Dakota and Texas. Oregon State: British Columbia to Mexico, east to South Dakota and Texas.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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