Monterey Pine

Widely cultivated in California landscapes for its fast-growing habit and picturesque, deep-green appearance, Monterey pine is native to three locations along the California Coast (Ano Nuevo, Monterey Peninsula, and Cambria) and two islands off Baja California (Guadalupe and Cedros).
Monterey pine cones remain closed until the heat of fires or exceptionally warm weather cause them to open and discharge their seeds. Seedlings developing in areas newly cleared by fire gain the advantages of reduced competition for water and light, and ash-enriched soils. This habit allows the species to survive infrequent natural fires.
Despite its limited native habitat, it is one of the most widely planted trees in the world. In New Zealand, Australia, and Chile, it is the predominant commercial forestry species. Specimens grow exceptionally fast and straight in areas of year-round rainfall, whereas trees in California develop gnarled trunks and domed crowns.