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Trees of Iowa: An Interactive Key

Jack Pine
(Pinus banksiana)



The jack pine is a native of the Lake states, the northern New England states and much of Canada.  It has been planted widely in Iowa, but is a less desirabletree than many of the other pines.  It will survive on the driest soils inthe state, and makes rapid growth during the first 10 to 15 years.  It is a rather small tree, reaching a height of 40 to 60 feet under favorable conditions.  Normally the tree has thin, open foliage and is not tolerant of shade . As the lower branches are shaded and die, the old cones remain on the tree for many years.

Hardiness: zones

Growth Rate:

Mature Shape:

Height: 30 to 50 feet

Width:

Site Requirements: Especially hardy on dry sandy soils but adaptable on most well drained soils

Flowering Dates: May - June

Seed Dispersal Dates: September

Seed Bearing Age: 3-15 Years

Seed Bearing Frequency: Every 3-4 Years

Seed Stratification: Prechilling for one week at 34F to 40F
Pine Jack FlowersPine Jack Flowers

The needles occur in bundles of two and are shorter than most other pines, 3/4 to 1-1/2 inch long, and are quite stiff and pointed and tend to spread apart from one another forming a V.

Pine Jack LeavesPine Jack Fruit

The small cones are about 1-1/2 inches long, often strongly curved, persistent and sometimes remain on the trees and contain good seeds for many years.  The cone tips curve toward the branch tips.  Cones are greenor purplish when full-grown, turning light yellowish-brown as they ripen.

Jack pines tend to have straight trunks. Their branches are long and spreading, forming an open ragged crown.  The dark brown bark is irregularly divided into small scales.

 

Click on a thumbnail image below to view a larger picture.
Pine Jack Flowers Pine Jack Flowers Pine Jack Fruit Pine Jack Leaves Pine Jack Form