Gray Pine Pinus sabiniana (sabineana)
Gray Pines can be found from sea level to about 4,000 feet in elevation and typically reach heights of 35 to 50 feet although they can grow taller. The grayish green needles occur in bundles of 3 and are quite long at 7 to 12 inches. The cones are almost as wide as they are long and range from 5 to 10 inches long with cones growing even longer. This species is endemic to California and historically was known as Digger Pine. The seeds are an important food source for many animals of the area.
Gray Pines are often found on the eastern side of the Santa Lucia Mountains.
These late season Gray Pine cones
are 7 to 8 inches long.
Gray Pines often grow in association with Oak trees. These Gray Pines here are intermixed with young California Live Oaks.