Description
Jack pine is one of our native pines, growing in the Great Lakes regions of the USA and in Canada. It is a nesting site for the endangered Kirtland warbler. They grow well in clay, loam or sand and need good drainage. The needles are olive green and arranged in bundles of two needles, 3/4 – 2″ in length and a little bit twisted. Branches that are shaded will die off, but do not usually fall off of the trees. When it is young the tree is a pyramidal shape but as it ages the tree spreads out more and has more of a shrub shape. Not a great choice for an ornamental or specimen tree as it does not have an attractive shape when it matures. They are also very flammable and heat from fires makes the cones release seeds to germinate.
