knobcone pine

[ nob-kohn ]

noun

1. a pine, Pinus attenuata, of the Pacific coast of the United States, bearing cones with knoblike scales.

Word History and Origins

Origin of knobcone pine¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; knob + cone

Example Sentences

And new Knobcone pine trees, which need temperatures above 350 degrees to pop open their cones and drop their seeds, were sprouting.

From Washington Times

And new Knobcone pine trees, which need temperatures above 350 degrees to pop open their cones and drop their seeds, were sprouting.

From Seattle Times

Seed from areas where vegetation survived is already drifting into areas where vegetation was lost, and many important species--knobcone pine trees, flowering kalmiopsis bushes and carnivorous cobra lilies--are taking root in the ashes.

From Time Magazine Archive