Pinus sabiniana, also known as digger pine, gray pine, foothill pine and bull pine, is a dominant feature of California's Sierra foothills, and is also found in the state's Coast Range.
The seeds were an important food source for many Native American groups in California, sometimes collectively referred to as "Digger Indians," leading to one of the tree's common names. The pejorative nature of this name has led many to prefer "gray pine" or one of the other common names.
The trees are usually crooked, and tend to split into 2 or more forks. The soft, lightweight wood is not durable and is not suited for lumber applications. Because the wood is full of pitch, it is not recommended for use as firewood due to the danger of chimney fires.
Still, the airy and graceful forms of Pinus sabiniana are a found by many to be an attractive contrast to its straight and useful cousins.
More information
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Description, detailed photographs of needles, pine cone and bark.
Description, detailed photographs of needles, pine cone and bark.
