Austrian pine (Pinus nigra)
Champion Austrian pine in Greeley (removed).
Species info:
Leaves: Needles in pairs (2 per fascicle), 3–6 inches long; stiff, dark green, straight to slightly curved; margins minutely toothed; tips pointed.
Leaflets: None (needle-like leaves typical of pines).
Leaf Surface: Stiff, thick, glossy dark green; rough to the touch due to fine serrations.
Bark:
– Young trees: Light gray with dark brown furrows; rough texture
– Mature trees: Large plated bark with mottled silver-gray appearance and deep furrows
Twigs & Buds: Orange-brown twigs; buds silvery, elongated (½–¾ inch), and resinous—key identification feature.
Flowers: Inconspicuous; male and female strobili present on the same tree (monoecious).
Fruit: Cones 2–3 inches long, ovoid to conical; borne singly or in small clusters. Cone scales unarmed (not sharp), unlike ponderosa pine.
Botanical: Pinus nigra
Family: Pinaceae
Mature Height: 50–60 feet (occasionally taller)
Canopy Spread: 25–40 feet
Foliage Type: Evergreen (conifer)
Tree Shape: Dense, pyramidal form when young; becoming broad, irregular, and often flat-topped with age
Growth Rate: Moderate; typically 12–18 inches per year under good conditions
Flower: Inconspicuous
Fruit: Round cones
Fall Color: Evergreen (no fall color change)
Water Use: Low to moderate; intolerant of soggy or poorly drained soils
Hardiness: Zones 3B–7 (occasionally Zone 8 in cooler climates)
Soil Preference: Adapts well to many soil types including clay and alkaline soils; avoid wet soils
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Wildlife Value: Provides year-round cover for birds; cones and seeds are occasionally used by wildlife; dense canopy offers shelter
Pests/Pathogens: Generally resistant but can experience pine tip moth injury when young, Ips beetle can attack stressed trees, and Zimmerman moth
Planting Recommendations: Recommended for most sites
Information Sources:
Front Range Tree Recommendation List
Michael Dirr, Manual of Woody Landscape Plants
Michael Kuhns, Trees of Utah and the Intermountain West
