Ponderosa Pine - Edible and Medicinal Tree Description and Identification

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Thank you for the comments about concerns related to toxicity for Ponderosa Pine particularly related to the needles and tea. Some sources describe Ponderosa Pine tea being toxic and extended use causing harm to kidneys. Other sources indicate that it can be consumed. Please don't take this video to be health advice. Please do your own research, check your own sources, and be very careful before you consider consuming any wild edible!

[@general14hayabusa]

Thank, I’ve been looking for this information and you explain it well.

[@jontask9997]

Apparently white pine is best for needle tea.

[@doniphan72ify]

@@jontask9997 ... I make it out of Short Leaf, Eastern White, and Loblolly Pine Tree needles. I live in the Southeast Missouri Ozarks, and White pine isn't very common here, but there is a stand of them about a half hour from here. But the Loblolly and short leaf pines are plentiful and closer lol, so I usually choose from those two. All three make a good tasting Woody tea. And yes, I always heard that the Ponderosa Pine should not be consumed. But what do I know, the closest ponderosa pine tree from here, is probably almost 2000 miles.

[@theseattleexile2327]

As practicing foragers and Hunter/gatherers, I must say that each individual must be careful with what they use.what may be good for one person might make another sick. It goes that way for all medicinal and edible plants in the woods.

[@Hayley-sl9lm]

You are correct in your video description I think the main research that is available on the toxicity of Ponderosa pine is regarding livestock that have eaten it in large quantities, we don't really know at what level it would be toxic for a human/how much we'd have to consume to cause toxicity in humans. The research says that it causes "profound constriction of the caruncle arterial bed", in pregnant cows which makes me wonder if this would even affect humans because human placentas do not have caruncles (fun fact, it's a placental structure specific to ruminants apparently?). Still I would avoid if I were pregnant, had kidney or urinary tract issues, low blood pressure or if I was taking calcium channel blockers.

[@METALWERX]

I just had some Ponderosa needle tea yesterday, has a good taste, there here in Oklahoma but few and far between where I'm located

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Nice!

[@diannh2894]

I literally just drank 3 needle tea and I buffed out because I thought it was toxic. SO glad I found this channel! I'd be freaking out!! Thank you!

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Some sources do say it's toxic while others say it is OK! Just take a look at the comments on this video to see what some people are saying for examples of some concerns. It appears to be a controversial topic!

[@grahambourke8687]

Ponderosa reminds me of a really good show growing up.....Bonanza!

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Haha! Interesting connection. I like it!

[@tedsiok]

Simple and useful information. Thank you.

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

You're welcome!

[@Nurtureddreams815]

I’ve heard of tree sap being made into tea when I was younger.

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

That could be good!

[@celestelee8425]

Really like your channel. We live in the South Okanagan & the stuff you put out is very knowledgeable. Thank you!

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

You're welcome and thank you, too! We lived in the South Okanagan for a little while and loved it there!

[@NP7_16]

i am so glad i found this channel perfectally fits my interests!!!!

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Great! I'm glad you found it, too! Thank you!

[@msbrownbutter]

Thank you, I just subscribed! The video is Straight to point and very precisely done.

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it!

[@mountainmike3242]

Right on. Enjoyed from California

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Thank you!

[@sashaluq]

I have one of these in my backyard in central Florida. Thanks for all of the useful info in helping me identify this specific tree type!

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

You're welcome! Thank you, too! I didn't know they grew in Central Florida!

[@EperogiLimousine]

Doubt it was a ponderosa pines, They only grow in zones 2-7 so very unlikely, could possibly be another similar pine

[@sashaluq]

@@EperogiLimousine Possibly. This pine is the only one I could find (so far) like the Pine that grows around here.

[@EperogiLimousine]

@@sashaluq I found something that could’ve been it: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinus_glabra

[@sashaluq]

@@EperogiLimousine Thank you so much for looking that up. It led me to browse the surrounding county's websites and it seems we have both Spruce Pine and Longleaf Pine in the area.

[@parisnchristlove]

Very cool! I’m in western Washington, and want to make teas and jelly from pines and Douglas firs. Love your channel!

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Thank you so much!

[@cheryljune1603]

How to make jam

[@mimib6253]

I grew up in hilly western Wa and they seem to like the warmer central and Eastern parts, seems like they are the tree nature likes best here in the high desert in OR too

[@marjorielevangie220]

Thank you for this wonderful video.

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

You're welcome! Thank you, too!

[@earlenematthews8920]

I live in Oklahoma and I have one in my front yard.

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Nice! I think they look good!

[@Coco-Magic]

Awesome video! I've been using pine needles to make a lot of edibles for past 4 month but couple weeks ago my sister in law told me that ponderosa is poisonous! And I've been researching for while now! And I found your Video!!! Thank you Sir!

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Thank you, too! Some sources do say it's toxic while others say it is OK. Prolonged use could also be problematic, so please be careful!

[@theseattleexile2327]

I love the ponderosa pine forests down here in Montana. They’re my second favorite tree in the forest next to western larch aka tamarack.

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

I love the way the ponderosa forest looks! I think it looks like a park!

[@theseattleexile2327]

@@OkanaganGardenerandForager it does for sure. There’s a place half way up the mountain by my house that is old growth ponderosa forest and it totally looks like a park.

[@sonjalewis3047]

Ahhh--the Western Larch!!!

[@hailesalassierasterfari6218]

I'm sold

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Excellent!

[@grantpeacock3515]

Thanks for the info

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@carpy1252]

These grow in the foothills among the gray pines (sabiniana) and incense cedars here in Amador county, California. Their cheery rich green colors are very welcoming.

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

I agree! I think they are very nice to look at. Thank you!

[@marylenshaw6110]

Thank you for you information

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@paulpetrocchi1682]

Did I hear you also call the Ponderosa, another name being yellow? I thought the yellow is a distinctly different tree. Nice work you have done with the medicinal edible!

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

At least around here, I've seen it called yellow pine, but there might be others with that name that I don't know about. Thank you!

[@poochsworld]

Do you know if you can do anything with the pinecones other than eat the seeds?

[@trudyboltz7960]

thank you for doing this video, I was not sure about Ponderosa pine. I know more now,

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

You're welcome! I'm glad it helped!

[@jorgie9371]

I hope youre still responding to comments on this video! When making tea from the needles, have you found that the pitch secretions are hard to clean off pots after boiling? (Thank you for warning pregnant women from drinking this tea as well)

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

I am still trying to! Yes, I think the pots need extra scrubbing after. I think letting them soak for a while helps sometimes. Thank you!

[@emmalee478]

So cool that they can survive fire!

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Yeah, they are pretty interesting trees!

[@davidwesley2525]

Fun Facts the Ponderosa Pine is the State Tree of Montana , Arizona Has the Largest Ponderosa Pine Forest . 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Interesting. Thank you!

[@tiffif]

Nice channel! Glad to find ya! ✌

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you found me too!

[@marcellawynja2372]

love the ponderosa pine ,made many baskets from its needles. Read it is toxic to pregnant cows, is this true? Did not know could make tea out of it.

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

I also read that some pregnant cows lost their pregnancies after consuming ponderosa pine. Some sources say that ponderosa pine tea is OK to consume while others say it's toxic. I think it could be dose dependent, and every person should make their own informed decision before deciding to consume any wild plant.

[@jakejohnson7714]

thanks cool video !

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@williamlewin9610]

In a survival course in the military we ate a lot of pine nuts.

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Nice! What did you think of them?

[@williamlewin9610]

@@OkanaganGardenerandForager I like them but their not my favorite.

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

@@williamlewin9610 I guess more of a survival thing.

[@dylansmith2638]

Thank you. I appreciate hearing this side of the "toxicity" controversy. May I ask what was your source that it is edible? Indigenous cultures have been using this? Thank you!

[@theseattleexile2327]

They most certainly have been using it. All things in moderation.

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Sorry for taking so long to get back to you! Three of the books that I referred to when making this video are: Kloos, Scott. Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plants. Timber Press, Inc. 2017 MacKinnon, A. Edible and Medicinal Plants of Canada. Lone Pine Media Productions (BC) Ltd. 2014. Turner, N. J. Food Plants of Interior First Peoples. Royal BC Museum. 2007

[@cornishxplora]

amazing video. thank you sharing. Your voice reminded me very much like the mammoth from Ice Age movie. haha its a good thing 🤫. I've subscribe and liked 👍🏼 keep up the great videos.

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Thank you for your very kind comment! I think I need to check out Ice Age to see that character now!

[@cornishxplora]

@@OkanaganGardenerandForager got me hooked now. I’m in a debate about Ponderosa vs Monterey pine (pinus radiata) both grow needles in bundles of 3 so trying to cross ref the differences. Interesting to know about the Cambium 👌🏼

[@NicoleDionne]

Do you have a video about loblolly pine

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

No, sorry. It's not in my area, so I'm not familiar with it at all.

[@pappugariya8236]

Nice bro...

[@pappugariya8236]

#bharatgariya

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Thank you!

[@Lillykat]

I like this video very much! What other pine trees can be used for pine needle tea?

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Thank you! Some sources say that large amounts of Ponderosa Pine tea can be toxic, so please be careful! White pine is more often used for tea. I haven't had any problems with Ponderosa Pine tea personally, but there are different opinions out there on whether you can drink it or not!

[@Kristie-ws9uu]

Balsam Fir, Spruce, cedar

[@tomorrowallways]

i wonder if i can make natural soda?

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

That's a good question. I haven't tried it myself.

[@ArmaGuyz]

You didnt touch on this but they dont actually say its recommended to go for the Ponderosa Pine for Teas or the cadmium due to some toxicity of this species of the pine and they say WHITE Pine is the one you want with 5 Needle clusters not Ponderosa. Ofc its still edible but as to how edible is anyones guess. OH I see you addressed this in your comment. Well if it were me and It was all I had I would eat it with other edibles and consume in smaller amounts. The Tea is what I would NOT recommend the cadmium is probably still ok just not as safe as WHITE PINE.

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Thank you for the information and comment!

[@randyc754]

That is what we have in North Carolina.

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Cool! I've never been to North Carolina, but I'd love to visit one day!

[@macro55]

Near my house there is a very similar pine tree but it has a cluster of 2 leaves. Could you tell me if it can be used for infusion or is it toxic?

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

It would be very hard for me to say. Some sources say Ponderosa Pine tea is toxic, while others say it can be fine, so it's sometimes not easy to be sure. I'm sorry! I think you'll have to identify for yourself and do your own research to be sure!

[@JeffFermon]

It could be a lodgepole pine but I don't know about its medicinal/toxic properties

[@rocodiaz5221]

We just downloaded an app on our IPhones called Picture This. Sorry I can’t remember how much it was but it’s super cool. Just take a picture of the plant or tree and the app will identify it for you. I highly recommend it!

[@rosemaxx3987]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaiakGx_ia97gZY THIS LINK IS TO A MUCH MORE DETAILED IDENTIFICATION VIDEO.. PONDEROSA PINE CAN HAVE GROUPS OF 2 OR 3 NEEDLES FROM THE SAME BRANCH

[@Gene.23]

I drink tinture from the pine cones in Russian culture people do that who has had a stroke 21 days in a glass jar the pine cones were added and vodka like 40% or something like that not higher because higher alcohol content is used for skin to rub it in.placed in a dark place because the light breaks something down.anyway they have tanin or something recovers the brain I drink it people drink it 3x time a day who had a stroke but some drink it to prevent it from happening 1 time a day like 30 minutes before they eat.and I suggested to one person to drink warm water if the morning after he feels better after listening to my advice.

[@julieamandafossnes3798]

Hmmm all info I find says they are poisonous ?

[@METALWERX]

They tell you it's toxic because it's good for you, I found that misleading garbage too, I've had a couple of glasses of the 3 pineneedle tea recently, I chop up 2 tablespoons and steep it, don't boil it tho you'll lose the vitamin benefits.

[@mimib6253]

I've heard pine needle tea from ponderosa is being really debated. Obviously more studies should be done since there are some who respond great and some who might not

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Yes, it does appear to be somewhat controversial! I think you are right that many people may react differently. Thank you!

[@kadoman65]

I live in Vernon and I used to say I hated Ponderosa pines because they are so messy with their triple needles everywhere but I recently learned that or pineal gland is related to the pine tree…wait what!?!? It’s on KZbin lol

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

What!? That sounds super interesting! Also I was born and raised in Vernon! Thank you!

[@kadoman65]

The video I watched on pineal gland and pine trees also talks about how our DNA is also related, video is called This Is How It Really Works on Video Archive channel.

[@kadoman65]

You have lots of great videos, I subscribed! Can’t wait to learn more, thanks for all your videos!

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Awesome! Thank you! I appreciate that!

[@jorgie9371]

Video *Advice* channel! Had to look this up cos that's awesome ​@@kadoman65

[@dustintacohands1107]

Ohh it gets taller than 30 m tall not often but it does I’m sure

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Yes, I think you are likely right!

[@sonjalewis3047]

Ya forgot to say that "young" (for decades) trees have blackish bark--with no reddish-brown. Sometimes even foresters don't realize that young ("bull pine") and the mature red trees are the same species. Found in the Rocky Mountains, too...and even down in Mexico?

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

That is super interesting. Thank you!

[@ChadBlack]

Having lived in the middle if the largest ponderosa pine forest in the world for over 40 years (Arizona), we've always been taught that this species is unfortunately one of the only pine trees that is highly toxic. It's known around here as the cow killer. I'm sure in small doses, it's fine, but you won't see me making tea out of it. Great video though@

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Thank you!

[@NatureBoy711]

isn't ponderosa pine needle toxic?

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Some sources say it's toxic while others say it's fine. It appears to be a somewhat controversial topic. Thank you for the question!

[@NatureBoy711]

@@OkanaganGardenerandForager so you are still drinking ponderosa tea without any ill-effects?

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

@@NatureBoy711, I don't drink it very often, but when I have, I didn't notice any ill effects.

[@EperogiLimousine]

@@NatureBoy711 it’s probably safe to have every so often but I wouldn’t drink it daily or even weekly

[@CodyTerry-t8b]

I have been warned numerous times that this pine is poison. I think I will pass.

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Cool! Thanks for checking in!

[@avgrim7729]

I heard on Google don't eat ponderosa pine!

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Some sources warn of its toxicity while others say it is OK! I hope everybody will be careful, do their own research, and only do what they feel safe to do!

[@theseattleexile2327]

Google isn’t the most reliable source for anything. Just because google says so doesn’t make it so.

[@mohdnasir5140]

pond = lake

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

OK! Thank you!

[@loveinthisworld3063]

This tree is poisonous

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Which parts of it do you think are poisonous?

[@loveinthisworld3063]

Ponderosa pine tree needles are slightly poisonous and in some can be more sensitive to it

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Yes, some sources do say that it is potentially toxic while others do not. I will suggest that anybody interested in consuming any wild edibles should do so cautiously and in consultation with experts as appropriate! Thank you for this reminder! I appreciate the comments and you watching the video!

[@TheAngeldances]

Well … too much vitamin C will make you “sick” … so …