‘Chief Joseph’ Lodgepole Pine
One of the most beautiful pines on the market today is the ‘Chief Joseph’ Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta subsp. latifolia). This tree was discovered in the late 1970s by nurseryman Doug Will of Sandy, Oregon, while he was elk hunting in the Wallowa Mountains of northeast Oregon. He named it after Chief Joseph who once led the Nez Perce American Indian tribe that lived in the region.
Chief Joseph (1840-1904), when faced with settlement by whites of tribal lands in Oregon, led his followers in a dramatic effort to escape to Canada.
The most notable characteristic of this pine is the beautiful bright yellow foliage which occurs during the winter months (in warmer months, the color is lime-green). It is a slow grower, averaging 6-8 inches per year and the 10-year height is about 6 ft. tall. It can eventually reach 15 feet or more (as seen in the bottom photo). The habit is upright and narrow.
Native to the Pacific Northwest and undemanding to grow, as long as there is good drainage, they flourish in leaner soils and tolerate drought once established. Full sun is preferred.
A mature specimen in the Eugene, Oregon garden of Eddie & Marietta O’Bryne.
