PlantFiles: Austrian Pine, Black Pine, European Black Pine
Pinus nigra

This pine is EXTREMELY hardy and tolerant of different climates. I've seen them successfully thriving from Minnesota all the way down to Tuscon (where 100+ degree temperatures are very normal in summer). It's almost as if these things can grow anywhere. If you're a beginner to gardening, I'd recommend this tree since it seems like It'd grow in any condition just fine as long as you water it.

I have seen a few nice examples of these trees, but overall they are the most prone of all evergreens to insects and disease in this area. Very often used as ornamental trees in poor/wet sites they require treatment to keep them looking acceptable.

Pinus nigra, or Austrian pine, is native to western Europe. Introduced to this country in the mid-1800's, it has been planted extensively as an ornamental and conservation plant. In some areas, Austrian pine grows to a height of 30 to 50 feet with a spread of 20 to 25 feet. On most soils, growth rate is usually 12 to 18 inches per year, and to me I consider this rapid growth. Young trees are pyramidal in shape, but become oval with age and, on some sites, flat topped. Noted for its dark, rich green foliage, Austrian pine provides a nice contrast with other plants. Austrian pine needles are stiff, usually straight, 2 to 4 inches long and are in groups of 2. Needles can stay on the trees for 2 to 3 years. Oval shaped cones are 2 to 3 inch long. The cone scales do not have prickles. The bark has dark furrows with gray or gray-brown mottled ridges. Winter buds have a distinct silver color. Common insect pests include spider mites and pine needle scale. Common diseases include Dothistroma (needle blight) and Sphaeropsis (Diplodia) tip blight. More information can be researched at the Kansas Forest Service web site.

I began several years ago with three small bare root plants of about 12". All grew beautifully for 10-15 years when two developed needle blight and died after a year when almost 16-18' in height. This was devastating, however, I had saved and transplanted two very tiny seedlings from one of the dead trees a few years before, and today they are growing beautifully, and one is almost the height of the seed parent! So in total I lost two, but they gave me two replacements.

A beautiful pine with dark green needles 3" to 6" long. cones are 2" to 3" and somewhat pointed, without stalks and dropping from the tree early.

Mature trunks have a distinctive grayish yellow bark with vertical plates.

Very common in Northern landscaped parks, and they sometimes spread from cultivation.

Austrian pine is reported to not fare as well in zones 7 & 8 as it does in colder climates. From personal experience, it thrives in zone 5a, unfazed by heavy snow, freezing rain, road salt...and even the occasional summer! It can spread to 20-40', so is best in a a large yard. Beautiful tree; Recommended.