pitch pine
Pinus rigida
USDA zones4 to 7
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size40 to 60 feet tall30 to 50 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Green
- Foliage color
- Yellow-green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Pitch pine (Pinus rigida) is an evergreen tree for low maintenance and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist soil of most types. It grows well on dry, rocky ground where other trees struggle, and birds and other wildlife eat its twigs, leaves, and seeds. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything. Give it space, since it does not like competition from other trees.
Pairs well with Scarlet oak, Common bearberry, and Mountain laurel.
Native range
CT, DC, DE, GA, and 20 more places. See all 24
CT, DC, DE, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MN, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WV; ON, and QC.