Jack Pine
(Pinus banksiana)

Jack pines are native to the Great Lakes area and much of Canada. They will grow is dry soils and are usually found in sunny locations growing with other jack pines. They tend to grow quickly during their first 10 years of life but then slow down. They are usually fairly small trees, reaching a height of only about 40-60 feet. Jack pines almost always have straight trunks. Their branches spread out unevenly, making the crown look ragged.

Jack pines have short needles about 3/4-1-1/2 inches long. They are sharp, pointy, and stiff. They grow in bundles of two, but each needle usually points in the opposite direction. The bark is scaly and has a dark reddish-brown color.

Jack pines form small cones that tend to curve as they grow. They are usually about 1-1/2 inches long and are green or purplish when they are full-grown and point toward the end of the branch. As lower branches on the tree die from being shaded, the cones have a tendency to hang on for several years. At this stage they are dried out and turn a light brown or yellowish color.

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