Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata) Pine tree with 5” needles, bunched in 3s. This tree is easy to identify, because it is the only pine tree in this area with 5” needles. See below for pine trees in neighboring areas. You can tell you’re looking at a pine, rather than a Douglas Fir for instance, because the ends of the branches are rounder looking, due to the longer needles.

Field ID Tips · Needles about 5”, bunched in 3s. · New growth looks like candelabras pointing up at the ends of branches. · Cones are asymmetrical and the scales are mostly closed (they open to release seeds in a fire). · Overall, branches reach upward from horizontal. Other pines Bishop Pine is found on the Inverness Ridge and on the north side of Mt. Tamalpais. Bishop pine has similar sized needles, candelabras, and a closed cone. However, Bishop Pine needles are mostly bunched in 2s. Coulter Pine has very long needles (7” to 9”) and very large cones. I’ve seen occasional individuals on the north side of Mt. Tam. Links: Cal Photos Wikipedia Mountain Home to West Point Trees

Mature Monterey Pines have a rounded top. <<<NEED PINECONE SHOT>>> Monterey Pine seedlings are fairly common along fire roads on Mt. Tam.