Monterey Pine

One of three tree species to grow at Point Lobos SNR, the Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata) can be identified by its brownish-red bark, needles in bundles (or fascicles) of 3; and separate male and female cones.  The pollen-filled male cones are yellow and are ready to pollen share in the winter.  The female cone is much bigger and holds the egg that will pollinated by the male cone.  The bright yellow color of the male cones really capture your attention when in its proximity.  Always growing near the roar of the shore, it can be found along the coast north of Santa Cruz, the Monterey Peninsula, and Cambria, as well as two islands off the coast of Baja California.  While rare in the sense it only grows naturally in a few spots, the Monterey Pine has been widely planted globally.