Expected Height at Pickup: 2-3′, 3 gallon pot

An evergreen tree with an open, pyramidal form and lighter build than its better known cousin, the eastern white pine. Trees begin producing cones at 4-5 years. Only native to the far north of Indiana, around Lake Michigan. Exceptionally drought tolerant, needs well drained, acidic soil. Generally hardy in central Indiana, but prefers cooler summers so avoid planting next to streets/asphalt.

Pollination: 2+ individuals needed.

Light: Full Sun

Soil Moisture: Mesic, Dry Mesic, Dry

Soil Type: Sandy, Rocky (Acidic)

Height: 30-60

Width: 20-30

Bloom Color: –

Bloom Time: Apr-Jul

Fruit: Medium sized cones take two years to mature. Cones open best when exposed to fire.

Fall Color: Evergreen

Root Type: Branching

Notable Wildlife Interactions: Hosts the eastern pine elfin butterfly, a variety of moths including multiple sphinx moths, a grasshopper, horn tail moths, and many beetles, weevils, plant bugs, and smaller insects. Seeds are eaten by squirrels and many birds including grosbeaks, siskins, grosbeaks, chickadees, and nuthatches. Bats occasionally roost under peeling bark.

Notes: A few tracts of juvenile jack pine in northern Michigan are the only known breeding habitat for the rare Kirtlands warbler (pictured, photo by USFWS Midwest).