Jack Pine

Scientific name

Pinus banksiana

Description

The Jack Pine is small tree that typically grows up to 20 m high and 30 cm in diameter, although can occasionally grow larger. When the tree grows in open areas, the trunk of the tree is tapered, with a conical crown. The branches are open, ascending, and arching. When the tree is grown in a forest, the shape becomes slender and straight with very little taper. On poor soils or rocky sites, the Jack Pine appears very unkempt with long stout branches and a twisted appearance. The needles are evergreen and grow in bundles of 2, are sharp and straight, and 2-4 cm long. The bark is thin and reddish-brown to gray when young, becoming dark brown, flaky and furrowed in thick, irregular plates with age. The seed cones are variable in shape, and can be oblong to conical, asymmetrical, straight, or curved. They are about 3-7 cm long in size and are yellowish-brown in color when mature.

Planting conditions

The Jack Pine often occurs on poor quality sites that have coarse sands, shallow soils, rocky beds, or even on permafrost. This tree species prefers full sun and may be intolerant of shade.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Dry
  • Normal
  • Moist
  • Drought Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 1a
  • 1b
  • 2a
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
• Plant type:
  • Tree
• Height:
  • 20m