As spring gets closer, I eagerly anticipate the fresh candling and needle growth of colorful conifers. One of my favorites is watching the bright new growth on the ‘Taylor’s Sunburst’ lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta). There is never a moment throughout the spring that I’m not amazed by the brilliant, golden-yellow new needle growth that is so intensely striking for weeks. 

This variety was discovered in the Rocky Mountains in 1984 by Dr. Allan Taylor who observed these bright yellow characteristics on the top half of a 35’ tall specimen of lodgepole pine.  This specific variety has become a collector’s item for conifer addicts and serious gardeners alike that appreciate how beautiful this pine is in any landscape situation when that striking push of new growth adds color and drama to the scene!

The form of this selection is considered narrow and upright in youth but transitioning to a more broad and upright oval form with age.  Growing 6-10” per year in height (intermediate growth rate), this selection is thought to top out at about 15’ tall and 10’ wide in time. It’s important to note that the brilliant yellow growth, described as “school bus yellow”, does fade to a more mellow, creamy-yellow with the heat of summer and by the end of summer, the pine is primarily green.  The shaggy, brick red bark adds some additional interest as do the vibrant, cherry-red pollen cones.

This selection needs full sun and a very well-drained situation.  Dry soils are acceptable and this species is certainly drought tolerant. Poorly drained or heavy soils will be immediately problematic for successful establishment.  This pine is not “pH particular”, is long-lived once established and is noted for having some tolerance to urban pollution.

There are many amazing conifers that offer some of their best color contributions with the looming, “spring flush”. Seek them out!