Decades ago, Jelecote pine (Pinus patula) was grown in the California nursery industry. This lovely, fast-growing pine also has small cones, making it an unusually urban friendly pine species.

Surviving Jelecote pines in coastal California show the untapped potential of the species, and leads to a question of why this cool tree disappeared from the industry. A likely answer to this question can be found in the severe and permanent root defects created in most pine species by containerized nursery tree production, which leads to girdling and circling roots. With their fire-resistant bark, most pine species are unable to root graft, and so are ruined by the kinds of defects which are nursery production systems has created for decades.

Jelecote pine is widely used for reforestation efforts in its native Mexico. When grown with good roots, Jelecote pine is a proven performer in coastal California (and many other places), and further use is recommended once quality nursery stock can be grown.