These are the cones and needles of Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida). A small to medium sized tree. The needles are 3 to 5 inches long and quite stiff and sharp. They are in bundles, or fascicles, of 3. The cones are nicely round with sharp points at the end of each scale.
The tree is found in a small portion of eastern North America from central Maine south to Georgia west to Kentucky. It’s found in locations that other species would find difficult to survive in with acidic, sandy, or low-nutrient soils.
A characteristic of Pitch Pine that I find really cool is called epicormic growth. It has needles growing not just from branches but also from the main trunk. Much like errant flowers on Redbud (Cercis canadensis).
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2 responses to “Pitch Pine Cones And Needles”
Do you have any Pitch Pine near you? I know of one near me, on the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain in Maryland. It’s an interesting tree, thank for posting about it! Wishes for a Happy New Year!
Hi Anita! Yes Pitch Pine is a common tree here in the mountains. Sugarloaf Mountain! What a lovely place to live. As I recall I have roots, way back in time in that area. I remember family picnics there when I was little. Seems to me hula hoops played a part in the activities!
Sending Happy New Year wishes to you too! And thank you for reading my posts!
Bren