Monterey pine (radiata pine) Pinus radiata
Monterey pine (radiata pine) (Pinus radiata) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Pinaceae family, native to Three small coastal stands in California (Año Nuevo, Monterey, Cambria) and two Mexican islands. It grows 20–40 m (66–131 ft) tall and 8–15 m (26–49 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -10 °C (14 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
Plan Monterey pine (radiata pine) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Monterey pine (radiata pine) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Mature height | 20–40 m (66–131 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–15 m (26–49 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -10 °C (14 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Three small coastal stands in California (Año Nuevo, Monterey, Cambria) and two Mexican islands |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇪🇸 Spain |
| Invasive in | South Africa, Australia, New Zealand (wilding pines), Chile: check local rules before planting |
Is Monterey pine (radiata pine) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Monterey pine (radiata pine)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Monterey pine (radiata pine)
- How far apart should I plant Monterey pine (radiata pine)?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–15 m (26–49 ft).
- Does Monterey pine (radiata pine) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Monterey pine (radiata pine) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Monterey pine (radiata pine)?
- It tolerates about -10 °C (14 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- Is Monterey pine (radiata pine) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Monterey pine (radiata pine)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Monterey pine (radiata pine). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
- Calscape: California native plants, California Native Plant Society
Notes and assumptions
- A fast pine with bright green needles in threes and lopsided cones that stay shut for years until fire opens them. Rare in the wild but the most planted plantation pine on Earth, the basis of timber industries in New Zealand, Chile and Australia, where it also spreads into native grassland and fynbos.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Colorado blue spruce Picea pungens
- Japanese black pine Pinus thunbergii
- Eastern white pine Pinus strobus
- Scots pine Pinus sylvestris
- Norway spruce Picea abies
- Siberian larch Larix sibirica
- Two-needle piñon Pinus edulis