Ponderosa Pine Jigsaw Puzzle Bark

1 picture above in a note!

Studying this interesting pine tree bark, I was fascinated by its similarity to jigsaw puzzle pieces, and in fact, that is one of the Ponderosa Pine's defining characteristics. From what I have read, the only other tree with bark like this is the Jeffrey Pine tree. Both species can be found here in southern Oregon, but there are distinctive differences that set them apart:

• The Jeffrey Pine grows at very high elevations of 5-10,000 feet, whereas the Ponderosa Pine can be found from sea level to 10,000 feet. (we are at 1500 feet, which rules out the Jeffrey)

• Jeffrey Pine cones are 5-10" in size, while Ponderosa Pine cones are 4-5" in size. (again, our cones are much too small to be a Jeffrey)

• Conflicting information (from Wiki) say that Jeffrey pine is also very distinct from Ponderosa pine in its resin scent, variously described as reminiscent of vanilla, lemon, pineapple, violets, apple, and, quite commonly, butterscotch; compared to the turpentine or odorless scent of ponderosa pine. However, sources agree that the Jeffrey pine is more strongly scented than the Ponderosa pine. (Our trees are very lightly scented.)