Austrian Pine
Pinus nigra · Evergreen, Coniferous, Softwood
Plant Family
Pinaceae
Tree Category
Evergreen, Shade Tree, Screen/Windbreak Tree
Variety / Cultivar
None specified; likely the species type based on standard pyramidal-to-rounded habit.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4 through 7.
About This Tree
A dense, long-lived evergreen with a pyramidal shape in youth, becoming flat-topped and spreading with age. The tree in the image shows a typical central leader with horizontal branching, though it appears to be experiencing significant needle loss/thinning in the upper crown.
Leaf Characteristics
Needles are dark green, stiff, and sharp-pointed, measuring 3-6 inches long. They occur in bundles (fascicles) of two.
Bark Characteristics
Dark gray to brown, becoming deeply furrowed and forming thick, flaky plates with a characteristic 'mosaic' look as it matures.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Southern Europe, Mediterranean, and Asia Minor; widely naturalized in North America.
Growing Season
Evergreen; new growth ('candles') appears in late spring. Cones mature over two years.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred. Highly drought tolerant once established; prefers well-drained soils but adapts to clay.
Mature Size
Mature height of 50-60 feet with a spread of 20-40 feet. Growth rate is moderate.
Special Characteristics
Highly tolerant of salt spray and urban pollution. However, it is highly susceptible to Diplodia Tip Blight, which often causes the dieback and thinning visible in the upper branches of this specimen.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides excellent thermal cover and nesting sites for birds (especially owls and hawks). Seeds in cones are a food source for squirrels and nuthatches.