Pinus banksiana

RHS Plant Profile
jack pine
jack pine RHS

Other common names

Canadian jack pine, grey scrub pine, Hudson's Bay pine, Labrador pine, northern scrub pine

Conifers Trees

A medium-sized conifer to 15m tall with a slender, conical habit, or, occasionally becoming gnarled and shrubby if grown in poorer soils. The yellowish-green, needle-like leaves in twisted pairs are 2-4cm long. Yellowish-brown cones that are curved at the tips and 3-6cm long, are usually borne in pairs and point forwards along the shoot

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Pinaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
Genus
Pinus can be shrubs or large, evergreen trees, some species with attractive bark, developing an irregular outline with age and bearing long needle-like leaves in bundles of 2, 3 or 5; conspicuous cones may fall or remain on the tree for years
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
N North America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a well drained, acid or neutral soil

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to adelgids, conifer aphid, sawfly larvae, and pine shoot moth

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus and needle cast diseases