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:
- 4000 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
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
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Thick bark provides moderate fire resistance; serotinous cones are not typical for this species.
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:
- 21–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy; sow in well-drained seedbeds.