Ponderosa pine is native to northwest and northcentral Nebraska. Needles are grouped in threes, and sometimes pairs, 5 to 10 inches long. Cones are 3 to 6 inches long and each scale is armed with a sharp recurved spine. It can withstand prolonged drought and is the best pine to use on severe sites. It is best used in east and south inside rows of windbreaks. Zimmerman pine moths and Sphaeropsis (Diplodia) blight can be serious problems and can kill or deform trees if not controlled. Pine tip moths can stunt growth by killing branch tips and Dothistroma needle blight can occasionally cause defoliation if not controlled.