Important for shade. About 45 wildlife species eat fruit, and deer browse on twigs and leaves. Very important browse in many areas for snowshoe hare, deer, and elk. Fallen leaves are avidly taken by deer in fall and early winter. Important food and building material for beaver.
Grouse depend on buds for winter food.
Also excellent wildlife cover. Pine seeds are especially important for food. Bark harbors insects that woodpeckers, sapsuckers, and nuthatches eat. High food value to songbirds, particularly grosbeaks and cedar waxwings. Important escape and nesting cover for songbirds and game birds.