There are two varieties of Lodgepole Pine at the Park. This one (variety contorta) may have been introduced by the Longmires from the lowlands, perhaps as seeds in hay.

This pine is very successful at Longmire where it established itself on a hillside following a 20th century fire and also grows well in the dryer areas of the meadow.

Whereas the coastal variety can be stunted, variety latifolia may reach 100 feet in height and grow in dense stands.

The needles of variety latifolia are longer and yellow-green. The bark is thin and not furrowed. At the Park the two varieties are separated by range, but both grow on disturbed, dry ground, sometimes forming pure stands.