The ponderosa is one of the most widely distributed American species of this conifer
.... the lower limits of the 
coniferous forests, and a seral species in higher elevation mesic forests where... [DOC] [TLE] 17 Conifers - Henry W. Coe State Park [PAR] Four conifers-ponderosa pine, gray pine, California juniper, and California ... 
which means that they have leaves that remain on the tree for more than one 
year.