Pinus ponderosa 'Pennock Pass Pincushion' is quite likely the smallest and slowest growing selection of Ponderosa pine known to the nursery trade. Its long, dark green needles are typical of the species but its branching structure is extremely short, with yearly growth of no more than 1 to 2 inches (2.5 - 5 cm). The plant's exceptionally tight growth is well-balanced throughout, giving it the appearance of a pincushion.
This cultivar originated as a seedling selected by Kirk Fieseler, of LaPorte Avenue Nursery, Ft. Collins, Colorado from seed collected on Pennock Pass, in Colorado's front range 35 miles due west of Ft. Collins.