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Pinus banksiana
jack pine
N North America (NWT/Yukon to Nova Scotia, south to MN/MI/ME; boreal forest, sandy plains, rocky outcrops; northernmost N American pine)
Overview
Pinus banksiana is an evergreen conifer reaching 30-60 feet (9-18 m) tall with a spread of 15-30 feet (4.6-9 m) and an open, irregular, often scraggly crown with crooked trunk and spreading branches. A two-needle pine, the needles are short and twisted, 0.75-1.5 inches (2-4 cm) long, yellowish-green to dark green, in fascicles of 2—among the shortest needles of any pine. The cones are small, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm), strongly curved and asymmetric, pointing forward along the branch, serotinous—sealed with resin and opening after fire. Cones persist on the tree for years. The bark is thin, dark reddish-brown to gray-brown, scaly. Growth rate is moderate to fast in youth, slowing with age. Hardy to zone 2. The northernmost-ranging pine in North America—reaching the Arctic treeline. One of the first trees to colonize after fire on sandy, nutrient-poor soils.
Native Range
Pinus banksiana is native to northern North America—from the Northwest Territories and Yukon across the boreal forest to Nova Scotia, south to Minnesota, Michigan, and Maine—in sandy plains, rocky outcrops, and fire-prone boreal landscapes.Suggested Uses
Planted in native landscapes, sandy sites, or restoration areas at 15-20 foot (4.6-6 m) spacing. Pioneer species on fire-prone sandy soils. Extremely cold hardy (zone 2). Tolerates the poorest sandy soils. Irregular open form—not suited to formal plantings. Short-lived for a pine. Not suitable for rich, moist, or formal garden settings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 60'
Width/Spread15' - 30'
Reaches mature size in approximately 30 years
Bloom Information
Male strobili shed pollen in May-June. Female cones mature in 2 years to 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm), strongly curved, asymmetric, serotinous. Persist on tree for years.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Male strobili May-Jun; female cones small 1-2 inches strongly curved asymmetric serotinous forward-pointing; persist yearsFoliage Description
Yellowish-green to dark green; very short twisted needles 0.75-1.5 inches in fascicles of 2; among shortest pine needlesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight