Pinus banksiana aka Banksian Pine

Taxonomy

Genus Pinus Family Pinaceae Order Pinales Class Pinopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Pinus banksiana, commonly known as Jack pine, is a North American pine with a native range that stretches from the Mackenzie River in the Northwest Territories to Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. In the United States, it can be found from Minnesota to Maine, with some presence in northwest Indiana and northwest Pennsylvania. This pine is also referred to as grey pine and scrub pine. Jack pine is a relatively slow growing pine that forms low, mound-like shapes. It features short, twisted, and dense dark-green needles that grow in pairs. Typically, this shrub reaches a height of about 30cm (12in) and a width of 60cm (2ft). It is well-suited for low maintenance ground cover and can thrive in dry and poor soils. The height of Pinus banksiana ranges from 9–22 m (30–72 ft), although some specimens may be smaller due to unfavorable growing conditions. The trees often have an irregular shape, similar to pitch pine. Jack pine is commonly found in pure stands on sandy or rocky soil. It has adapted to stand-replacing fires, as its cones remain closed for many years until a forest fire occurs, which opens the cones and allows for reseeding of the burnt ground. The leaves of Jack pine are needle-like, twisted, slightly yellowish-green, and grow in fascicles of two. They measure 2–4 cm (3⁄4–1 1⁄2 in) in length. The cones of this pine species are usually 5 cm (2 in) long and curved at the tip. They have scales with small, fragile prickles that typically wear off before maturity, resulting in smooth cones.

Common names

Banksian Pine, Jack Pine, Grey Pine, Scrub Pine

How to care for Banksian Pine

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Banksian Pine due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Banksian Pine should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Banksian Pine loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Banksian Pine thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Grey Pine.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Banksian Pine is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

Banksian Pine grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

Banksian Pine’s native range is Northern N. America - Alaska to Northwest Territory, south to New York, Illinois and Minnesota.

More info:
Wikipedia

More Species in Pinus Genus

Pinus jeffreyi Jeffrey Pine

Pinus torreyana Torrey Pine

Pinus gerardiana Chilgoza Pine

Pinus pungens Hickory Pine

Pinus engelmannii Apache Pine

Pinus greggii Gregg's Pine

Pinus cembroides Pinyon Pine

Pinus culminicola Cerro Potos Pine

Pinus virginiana Scrub Pine

Pinus pinaster Maritime Pine