This hardy, fast-growing evergreen is adapted to some of the harshest growing conditions in North America. A classic pioneer species, it colonizes dry, sandy, and fire-prone landscapes where few other trees can survive. While fire is essential to its reproduction, individual trees may be damaged or killed by intense burns—making Jack Pine a species shaped by disturbance and renewal.
 
Jack Pine is the northernmost native pine in North America, with its natural range extending across Canada from the Mackenzie River in the Northwest Territories eastward to the Atlantic provinces. It matures quickly, growing about 2’ per year, reaching full size in about 60 years, thriving where soils are too poor for most plants.
 
This evergreen stabilizes watersheds and acts as an important “limber” species in fragile landscapes. Excellent for windbreaks in exposed areas.
 
Plant Characteristics:
Reaches 35–50 feet tall, with a scrubby, irregular or twisted form. Pyramidal when young.
 
Requires at least 6 hours of sun per day. Intolerant of shade.
 
Prefers average to dry, acidic soils. Intolerant of wet or alkaline soils.
 
Needles are short, stiff, and olive-green, in bundles of two.
 
Cones are produced at 3–5 years of age. They are serotinous, meaning they are sealed with resin, often remaining closed for many years, opening primarily after exposure to fire, though prolonged heat or dryness can also trigger release.
 
Wildlife Value:
Provides cover and nesting for songbirds and game birds. Numerous mammals seek shelter amongst evergreen stands in winter. Hosts 184 Lepidoptera species.
 
Medicinal, Edible & Other Uses
Native Americans used Jack Pine wood to construct canoe frames.
 
No significant modern medicinal or edible uses documented.