Contorta pine (Lodgepole pine or Pinus contorta) is a native of North America and was introduced to New Zealand in the 1920s and 1930s for forestry production. It can grow in a range of habitats from cultivated land to rock scree slopes. It will tolerate most conditions from sea level to sub-alpine areas, particularly in open tussock land and scattered shrubland. Once established, contorta can replace most other species. Pine pollen can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
On this page:
What it looks like
Contorta is a small to medium sized pine tree with twisted branches.
Cones:
Small (less than 6 cm long) and green, and feel rough to touch. They remain closed for long periods before bursting open to spread seed.
Seed:
Generally dispersed by wind (up to 12 km) or by animals. Fallen trees can also release seed and re-growth can occur from slashed plants.
Where you can find it
Contorta pine is present on a large part of the central volcanic plateau (Waiouru, Karioi, Tongariro National Park) and within and around the southern boundary of the Waikato region.
Over the past five years a vigorous control campaign carried out by the Department of Conservation and the New Zealand Army has significantly reduced the infestation in the Tongariro National Park and surrounding land.
Responsibility for control
Our Regional Pest Management Strategy aims to systematically eradicate this plant and maintain the region free of re-infestation.
Contorta pine is declared a total control plant pest for the entire Waikato region. The sale, propagation or distribution of this plant pest is prohibited.
All land owners/occupiers are responsible for the control of contorta on their land.
Contorta in plantations is harvested in conjunction with other logging operations by the forestry industry on an ongoing basis. Long-term eradication objectives and programmes are being negotiated on an ongoing basis between Environment Waikato, forestry companies, neighbouring regional councils and land owners.
Controlling contorta
Hand pull seedlings and either incinerate or shake all the dirt off and leave to dry out.
For adult trees, cut the trunk just below ground level (however, at ground level is often more practical). It is important to cut below the bottom whorl of branches, lowest stems or green needle, or the tree will regrow. Paint the stump with a suitable herbicide to ensure re-growth does not occur, although if trees are cut below the bottom branches this will not happen.
Your Biosecurity Plant Pest Contractor will advise you on a range of herbicides suitable for contorta control.
Further information
For further information and advice contact your local Biosecurity Plant Pest Contractor.
Related publications
Visit our Waikato Regional Pest Management Strategy.
'What makes a pest a pest? - A guide to Waikatos pest management future' - download (730 kb, 104 seconds to download, 56k modem) order or pick up for free from our offices.
Pick up or order 'Plant me instead - Plants to use in place of common pest plants' for free from our offices.
Download the National Pest Plant Accord.
Pick up or order 'Poisonous plants and fungi in New Zealand - A guide for parents, schools and child minders' for $15 from our offices.