Pinus banksiana aka Banksian Pine

Pinus banksiana, or jack pine, is an evergreen conifer. It belongs to the pine family, Pinaceae. Its native range covers much of northern North America. It grows from the Arctic Circle south to Minnesota and New York. It is Canada's most widespread pine. Wild trees grow on dry sand and rocky ground. They can form large forests on poor sites.

Garden trees reach 35–50 feet [10.7–15.2 metres] tall. Their spread reaches 30–40 feet [9.1–12.2 metres]. Some trees reach 80 feet [24.4 metres] in height. Young trees have a narrow or broad pyramid shape. Older crowns spread out and may become flat on top. Poor soil can produce a twisted, shrub-like form. Slender branches spread from the trunk. Dead lower branches often stay attached, giving trees a rough look. Brown bark becomes scaly and develops deep cracks with age.

The stiff, sharp needles grow in pairs with slight twists. Their green colour may shift toward yellow in winter. Young twigs look yellow to green-brown, then turn grey-brown. The buds contain much resin. Small yellow reproductive structures appear in spring. The curved seed cones point along the shoots. They often grow in groups of two or three. Brown cones fade to grey as they age. Many remain closed on the tree for 10–20 years. Fire opens these cones and frees the seeds.

Plant jack pine in full sun with good drainage. Shade kills lower branches, though they may remain attached. It accepts sand, loam, and clay, including poor soils. Acid or neutral soil suits it. Established trees withstand drought and need little routine care. RHS states that pruning is not needed. Cool summers suit it better than hot conditions. Sources rate its hardiness as USDA zones 2–7 and RHS H6. Its fast growth suits screens, windbreaks, and natural woodland planting. Birds use it, and imperial moth larvae feed on it. It also provides nesting sites for the endangered Kirtland warbler.

Wind can damage trees, and the plant is highly flammable. Needle cast, root rot, rust, and honey fungus may occur. Insects include budworms, sawflies, aphids, adelgids, and pine shoot moths. PFAF lists edible seeds, young cones, and inner bark. The small seeds make gathering them laborious. Leaves can supply a drink, and needles can yield dye. Indigenous North American peoples used roots as cord for bark canoes.