A Very Old Whitebark Pine Crater Lake National Park

Ann, Myself and our two dogs took a drive up to Crater Lake National Park for lunch and a drive around the lake. A short walk west of the closed lodge along the...
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Ann, Myself and our two dogs took a drive up to Crater Lake National Park for lunch and a drive around the lake. A short walk west of the closed lodge along the rim trail is where this very old but still living White Bark Pine lives. Visit If You Can!!
Whitebark Pine Information: The Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.) is a hardy, long-lived species. It tolerates the severe conditions found at the highest elevations of Crater Lake National Park. Whitebark pine is a foundation and a keystone species. It plays a vital role in creating and sustaining high elevation plant communities. The seedlings of whitebark pine can tolerate full sun and are able to establish in previously tree-less areas, earning it the reputation of a colonizing or pioneer species. Once established, they improve and enhance harsh site conditions by facilitating the establishment of a diverse suite of sub-alpine plant and animal species. As a keystone tree, stands of Whitebark pine serve important functional roles. They regulate snow melt by shading and retaining snow pack, which also slows erosion by anchoring soils in place. The oldest known tree in the park is over 500 years old. This Whitebark pine is lovingly called the Grandmother Tree. Visit If You Can!!

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