Austrian Black Pine or Austriaca

Austrian Black Pine (Pinus nigra Austriaca) - the cultivar was introduced into cultivation in the mid-1830s. A medium-tall tree up to 30 m in height and 12 m in diameter, with a properly ovoid crown. At 30 years of age it reaches 10 m in height. Annual growth: 15 cm in height and 10 cm in width. The crown is dense and spreading. Branches are horizontal, densely branched, short, evenly distributed and strong. Buds are conical, light green in color. Bark is dark gray with deep furrows.

Roots are deep and robust. Needles are stiff, sharp, in bundles of 2, up to 11 cm long, straight or slightly curved, dark green in color. Cones are large, up to 8 cm long, almost symmetrical, yellow-brown in color, maturing in the 3rd year. Highly wind-resistant.

Hardiness zone 5b.

Site: the plant is light-loving. Undemanding regarding soils; grows even on dry acidic or alkaline, stony soils. Does not tolerate waterlogging. Wind-resistant, effective at sheltering from wind. Poorly tolerant of soil salinity. Tolerates heat and drought well, as well as urban climates and air pollution.

Uses: pairs well with birches, lindens, and rowans. Used for solitary and group plantings, as protective screens against strong winds, and for decorating rock and Japanese gardens. Responds well to formative pruning. Suitable for container cultivation.