Content Detail

Jack pine is very hardy and well-suited to northern climates. It can be used in windbreaks, although it is susceptible to ice storm damage and may be difficult to find in nurseries.

This species is native to the Chicago Region according to Swink and Wilhelm’s Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current research.

  • Family (English) Pine
  • Family (botanic) Pinaceae
  • Planting site Residential and parks
  • Tree or plant type Tree
  • Foliage Evergreen (foliage year-round)
  • Native locale Chicago area, Illinois, North America
  • Size range Medium tree (25-40 feet), Large tree (more than 40 feet)
  • Mature height 35-50 feet
  • Mature width 10-20 feet
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago)
  • Soil preference Acid soil, Moist, Sandy soil, well-drained soil
  • Drought tolerance Tolerant
  • Other tolerances Alkaline soil, Dry sites, Road salt
  • Season of interest early winter, midwinter, late winter, early spring, mid spring, late spring, early summer, midsummer, late summer, early fall, mid fall, late fall
  • Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
  • Shape or form Open, Pyramidal
  • Growth rate Slow
  • Transplants well No
  • Planting considerations Highly susceptible to ice damage, May be difficult to find in nurseries
  • Wildlife Browsers, Moths, Small mammals, Songbirds
  • Has cultivars Yes

More Information

Native Geographic Location and Habitat  

Jack pine is native to Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and northward into Canada.

Bark Description

The bark is thin and flaky when young, maturing into thick plates with age.

Leaf Description

Evergreen needles are arranged in bundles of two. They are3/4 to 2inches long and slightly twisted.

Flower Description

The flowers are monoecious, with separate male and female flowers. They are not ornamentally important.

Fruit Description

The woody cones are 1 to 3 inches long and remain closed.

Care Knowledge

Plant Care

Jack pine transplants easily, due to a fairly shallow root system. Avoid planting in wet soils.

Pests, Diseases, and Tolerances  

Not quite as susceptible to pests as other pines, but sawflies, tussock moth, and needle casts are potential problems. Windthrow can be a problem due to the shallow root system.

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