Jack pine

Tree Characteristics:

Height at maturity:

Typical: 21 to 24 m (70 to 80 ft)

Maximum: 30 m (100 ft)

Diameter at breast height at maturity:

Typical: 30 to 38 cm (12 to 15 in)

Maximum: 60 cm (24 in)

Crown shape: open, broad, irregular

Stem form: excurrent

Branching habit: thin, horizontally spreading; dead branches persistent

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Jack pine is the most widely distributed pine in Canada and most northerly pine of the United States. These tree usually grows in even-age pure or mixed stands, for it is a pioneer species that readily invades areas disturbed by fire or other agents. Jack pine also grows on poorer, less fertile soils than its associates red pine (Pinus resinosa) and white pine (P. strobus). Early settlers considered this an evil tree, probably because no crops would grow around it due to poor soil conditions. Infertility among women and animals was thought to have been caused by evil spirits inside this mystical pine.

Human uses: pulpwood, lumber, round timber, Christmas trees. Jack pine is important in the stabilization of watersheds. Canadian Indians formerly used jack pine wood as frames their canoes.

NATIVE PINES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA

"on-line database designed to assist students studying eastern pines. Emphasis is placed on woody species native or naturalized in eastern North America", links to trees