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Submit a photoJack Pine
Pinus banksiana
A scrappy, fast-growing pine of Alberta's boreal sandy and rocky uplands. Short paired needles (2–4 cm) and curved, closed cones that often remain on the tree for decades — serotinous, opening only in fire's heat. Critical for post-fire regeneration of the boreal. Often forms dense even-aged stands after wildfire.
Quick Facts
Distribution
Boreal Forest, Zone 1
Light
Full sun
Bloom Time
May–June (cones)
Soil
Well-drained sandy, gravelly, or rocky soils; tolerates poor nutrition
Water
Low; drought-tolerant
Pet Safe— Generally considered safe around pets.
Growing & Cultivation
Propagation
Seed from opened cones (bake closed serotinous cones at 50–60°C for an hour to open). Sow on surface of sandy mix with light. Cuttings are unreliable.
