Austrian Pine
Pinus nigra
- Native to:
- Albania, Algeria, Austria, Bulgaria, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., France, Greece, Italy, Krym, Morocco, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Romania, Sicilia, Spain, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe
Photo (c)2007 Derek Ramsey ( Ram-Man (en.wikipedia.org) )
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Pinaceae
- Genus:
- Pinus
- Species:
- Pinus nigra
- USDA Symbol:
- PINI
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 3000 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
eastern pine shoot borer (Eucosma gloriola), European pine shoot moth (Rhyacionia buoliana), Nantucket pine tip moth (Rhyacionia frustrana), pine devil moth (Citheronia sepulcralis), pitch pine tip moth (Rhyacionia rigidana), ponderosa twig moth (Dioryctria ponderosae), spruce coneworm (Dioryctria reniculella), Synanthedon novaroensis, Zimmerman's coneworm (Dioryctria zimmermani)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Hummingbirds: Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Thick bark provides fire resistance in mature trees. Resprouts from crown following low-intensity surface fires.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in mountainous regions with rocky substrates
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification. Light is not required but consistent moisture improves rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI