Description
Jack Pine are one of the native pines, growing in the Northern Michigan, particularly near Grayling, Michigan. It is a nesting site for the endangered Kirtland’s warbler. In Michigan the DNR has proscribed burns of 100 acres or more to release the seeds from the cones. When heated the cones pop open and a young forest will start giving the Kirtland’s Warbler new nestling sites. The Warbler needs young stands of Jack Pine 10 to 20 foot tall to nest.
They grow well in clay, loam or sand and need good drainage. The needles are olive green and arranged in bundles of two needles, 3/4 – 2″ in length and a little bit twisted.
Branches that are shaded will die off, but do not usually fall off of the trees. When it is young the tree is a pyramidal shape but as it ages the tree spreads out more and has more of a shrub shape.
This pine is not a great choice for an ornamental or specimen tree as it does not have an attractive shape when it matures. They are also very flammable and heat from fires makes the cones release seeds to germinate.
Jack Pine
Scientific Name: Pinus banksiana
Zone: 2-7
Mature Height: 35-50 ft
Mature Width: 30-40 ft
Growth Rate: 24-36″
Soil: Moist
Sun Requirements: Sun
Wildlife Value: Imperial Moth larvae feed on the Jack Pine. Songbirds, mammals and game birds eat the seeds. The Kirtland warbler, that are endangered, nest in the Jack pine.
