Lodgepole pine is the most common tree, covering the floor of the valley and extending up the mountains to about 8,000 feet. The pines may be easily distinguished from the other evergreens by the long slender needles occurring in bundles. Lodgepole has two needles in each bundle. Trees of this species were extensively used by the Indians for lodge poles.
Whitebark pine is the tree of timber line; the occasional specimens found at a lower elevation are usually dwarfed. Needles occur five in each bundle; cones 2 to 3 inches long and almost ovate; the tree is much-branched and of medium size.
THE SNOW-CAPPED TETONS LOOK DOWN ON BEAUTIFUL WILD-FLOWER FIELDS
Copyright, Crandall.
Douglas tree has been called "Douglas spruce", "Douglas fir", and "red fir"; however, it is neither a spruce nor a fir but is worthy of separate distinction. One needle; cones 2 to 4 inches long; a three-lobed bract projects from beneath each scale of the cone, a very distinctive character; common at middle elevations.
Alpine fir grows from the base of the mountains to timber line; at high altitudes it is dwarfed and sprawling. One needle, flat; cones 2 to 3 inches long, scales paper-like; tree usually pyramidal and beautifully symmetrical.
Engelmann spruce is the largest tree in the park, and is usually found growing in moist places and near the lakes and streams. One needle, square in cross section, stiff and sharp; cones 2 to 3 inches long, scales papery.