Jack Pine is a fire-adapted conifer of the boreal zone with serotinous cones that remain closed for decades, opening only when heated to at least 140°F by fire. It forms the specialized habitat required by the Kirtland's warbler, one of the rarest songbirds in North America. It grows on dry, sandy, nutrient-poor soils unsuitable for most other trees.
Best time to see a Jack Pine
The best time to see a Jack Pine is April–August, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 5,743 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Jack Pine? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
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