The most northerly pine in North America, Jack pine (Pinus banksiana) is a scrubby windswept tree that typically grows in sandy, rocky and dry soils.  Found from the subarctic and boreal landscapes of Canada down through the Great Lakes and New England, it has the widest distribution of any pine in North America.  In the southern part of its range it occurs very sparsely.  In Illinois Pinus banksiana is considered an endangered species.

  

The state of Michigan conserves and manages large stands of Jack pine in the western part of the lower peninsula.  These Jack pine forests are the nesting grounds of the rare Kirtland's Warbler.  Jack pine cones also serve as a food source for crossbills and other birds and mammals.   Pinus banksiana depends on fire for regeneration because most cones are sealed with resin and need the heat of fire to open. 

  

Although the species is not widely grown as a landscape or garden tree, several cultivars of Pinus banksiana have been selected for unique growth habits.  Branches on some selections twist and curve, creating a gnarly look even in younger trees. The short slightly curved needles of this two-needled pine give added interest.  Jack pines can grow in tough situations and tolerate full sun conditions.

  

'Uncle Fogy' makes a superb abstract accent. It is usually staked for an upright tree or can be allowed to cascade down.

  

'Schoodic' is a low spreading form that works beautifully in rock gardens or spilling over a stone wall.

  

Pinus banksiana 'Schoodic'

Dwarf  mounded forms  include  the more irregular

'Chippewa'  and  the  uniformly  round   'Manomet'.  Another slow-growing form is 'Potters'.  Two more gnarly looking upright cultivars are 'Rochester Weeper' and 'Freddy Krueger'.