PINACEAE 



Pitch Pine 

 Pinus rigida Mill. 



HABIT. A tree 40-60 feet high and 1-2 feet in diameter 

 (max. 100 by 3 feet) ; on good sites with a straight bole and open, 

 irregular crown of large branches. 



LEAVES. In fascicles of 3; 3-5 inches long; stout; stiff; usually 

 twisted; standing out at nearly right angles to twig; yellow-green; 

 often produced on trunk; persistent 2-3 years; margins with 

 minute teeth; basal sheath persistent. 



FLOWERS. Male yellow; female red-green. 



FRUIT. Nearly sessile; IVz-^Vi inches long; ovoid -conic; 

 opening at maturity but persistent for many years; scales armed 

 with short, rigid prickle. Seeds: J4 inch long, dull black, winged. 



TWIGS. Stout; rough; gray-brown. Winter buds: Vz-'^A inch 

 long, scales chestnut-brown and fringed. 



BARK. Thick; dark red-brown; flat plates separated by 

 furrows. 



WOOD. Of little importance; light and soft; heartwood light 

 brown; used for lumber, ties, props, fuel. 



SILVICAL CHARACTERS. Very intolerant; short-lived; 

 taproot in youth; reproduction vigorous; young trees produce 

 sprouts. 



HABITAT. Typically dry, sterile sites; pure or mixed stands, 

 with scrub oak, red maple, gray birch, etc. 



* * * 



Pond Pine 



Pinus serotina Michx. 



{Pinus rigida var. serotina (Michx.) Loud.) 



This closely related southern species which is found in swamps 

 and low, wet flats diff'ers from pitch pine in having flexible needles 

 6-8 inches long and nearly globose cones armed with wesik, 

 deciduous prickles which remain closed for several years. This 

 species has remarkable ability to sprout following fire. 



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