Pinus rigida
Pitch Pine

Family:

Pinaceae (Pine Family) 74

Genus:

Pinus (Pine) 28

Plant Type:

Tree 569

Growth Forms:

Upright 574

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 4 520

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Evergreen 262

Foliage Notes:

Green (Yellow-green when young, maturing to a deep green)

Fruit Notes:

Brown (Light brown cones persisting for 2+ years)

Ultimate Height:

40-60 feet

Ultimate Spread:

30-50 feet

Light Requirements:

Soil Notes:

Prefers sandy, well-drained, acidic soil; very tolerant of poor, dry sites

Range:

Eastern North America

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Slightly curved and twisted needles (3-5" long) in three's with finely serrated margins and a sharp point; sheaths up to 0.5" long. Stems are ridged at maturity and have many sharply pointed buds (0.25-0.75" long). The 2-3" long cones are borne in clusters of 3-5. Bark is dark and roughly scaled when young, becoming brown to yellow on older trees and somewhat smoother, but divided by plates and fissures.

Purdue Plant Doctor

Parts and Problems of Mugo Pine

Special Characteristics:

Drought Tolerant 289

Salt Tolerant 60

Tolerant of Poor Site Conditions 187

Specimen 630

Additional Information

Pinus rigida is native to the poor, sandy upland soils of eastern North America. The falling needles, cones, branches, and sap can be problematic. This plant is not generally recommended for use in the landscape, except on very poor soils. Best grown in a solitary location, where it won't be forced to compete with nearby plants.