WSU Clark County Extension
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Austrian Pine

Scientific name: Pinus nigra
Taxonomy
Family:Pinaceae
Type:Coniferous trees
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:3 to 7
Plant Characteristics
Height:60 ft
Width:25 ft
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description A highly adapted and good looking evergreen tree, Austrian pine is valued for its densely branched conical form when young, maturing to a stately umbrella shaped tree with time. It is very commonly planted in the Midwest as well as on the east coast.

  Morphology:
This western European native is now widely grown across the temperate United States. At maturity it reaches a height of 60’, with a width of 25’. When young, it has a pyramidal shape with upright branches. Needles are sharp and stiff, and grouped in bundles of two. They grow to a length of 2” to 4”, and have a dark green color. Needles are usually held 2 years before being shed.

As Austrian pines mature their bark turns brown to gray, developing gray-brown ridges and dark brown furrows.

Cones are grouped in bundles of two, and are 2” to 3” long. They possess a sharp prickle and mature in the fall.

  Adaptation:
Austrian Pine is one of the most adaptable pines to a wide variety of environmental conditions. It prefers soils that are moist and well-drained, but adapts to heavy clay soils that are moist and at times poorly drained. It is remarkably tolerant of hot and cold wind and is a crucial component in shelterbelts and windbreaks.

  Pests:
Generally pest free in the Northwest. Dothistroma needle blight, the scourge of Austrian pine in the Midwest, is not common here on the West Coast.

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For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 7713
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