what is most common pine tree in southern california
Jeffrey Pine. Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi) is unique for its enormous cones--up to 10 inches tall--and can grow to 150 feet. The Jeffrey pine, which is a southern California native, has needles in packs of 3, which can be 10 inches long.
Torrey pines, which are native to southern California, have needles in bundles of 5 and egg-shaped cones that are 5 inches long. This is the only hard pine with a 5-needle bundle. Torrey pines can grow to 40 feet.