Plant Family: Pinaceae
Growth Form: Potentially a medium-sized tree, to 20 meters, but most specimens are rather small and gnarly; on rocky ledges it may grow as a prostrate shrub.
Leaves: The stiff, green needles are from 6 – 14 cm long and in bundles of three.
Bark: Thick and rough, dark gray, in broad scaly patches.
Cones: Small, 3 – 6 cm long, sessile, the tip of each scale has a sharp point; the cones stay on the tree for more than one year.
Habitat: Sandy soils, rocky ledges, and other nutrient-poor sites, where it may be the dominant tree; very common on Cape Cod and the Islands, as well as the Pine Barrens of New Jersey.
Range: Uncommon in northern New England, most common on the coastal plain, ranging south in dry habitats to Georgia.
Key Features: Three needles to a bundle and the sandy habitat will identify Pitch Pine.
Comments: Established trees are highly resistant to fire and the heat of fires causes the cones to release their seeds. Additionally, damaged or fire-stressed trees may sprout from the base, an infrequent occurrence in most conifers.
