Common Name: Austrian pine
Scientific Name:
Family: Pinaceae
Genus: Pinus
Species: nigra
Hardiness Zone: 4 to 7
Height: 40 to 60 ft
Width: 20 to 40 ft
Description:
Austrian pine is not native to the United States. It is susceptible to various fungal pathogens, such as diplodia tip blight and lophodermium needle cast, and insects. Austrian pine is tolerant of pollution and moderately tolerant of salt. Some Minnesota native species of pine do not do well in urban environments. The buds of Austrian pine are light brown, its twigs are brown, and its bark is brownish-gray. Austrian pine foliage grows in pairs of 3-5” long, dark green needles. Needles are alive year-round because Austrian pine is a conifer. Austrian pine cones are brown, prickly, 2-3” long, and 1” wide. Austrian pine looks very similar to red pine (Pinus resinosa). One difference is that red pine needles break cleanly in half when bent, while Austrian pine needles do not snap unless they are frozen from the cold.