Plant · GBIF taxon 8892957
Jeffrey Pine
Pinus jeffreyiAlso known as Jeffrey's Pine, Yellow Pine, Black Pine
Jeffrey pines dominate high-altitude Sierra Nevada forests and ultramafic serpentine soils, recognized by deeply furrowed reddish-brown bark that emits a distinct vanilla or pineapple aroma on warm sunny days. Their massive woody cones feature inward-curving scale prickles, earning them the field nickname gentle Jeffrey compared to the prickly ponderosa pine. These resilient conifers provide vital canopy structure, soil stabilization, and nut forage for montane wildlife.
ConiferEvergreenScented Bark
1 / 7—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Photosynthetic (Autotroph)
Predators
- Mountain Pine Beetle
- Pine Engraver Beetle
- Western Pine Beetle
ThreatsBark beetle infestations, severe wildfires, prolonged drought
HabitatsHigh-elevation montane forests, rocky slopes, serpentine soils
Life span400–500 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPinaceae
- SpeciesPinus jeffreyi
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Smell the Bark: Press your nose near bark furrows on warm days to enjoy a distinct scent of vanilla or butterscotch.
- Test Cone Prickles: Squeeze mature cones gently; inward-curving prickles will not prick your hand.
- Protect Mountain Soil: Stick to established trails when exploring fragile alpine and serpentine pine stands.
Forest Companion (c) Roger Raiche, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Seed Disperser (c) Sally, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Forest Companion (c) Jon Sullivan, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Julia Carr · cc0
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