This native tree, also called cypress in Quebec, without however belonging to this family, can reach up to 20 meters in height. It grows in the boreal forest in Canada, especially in the provinces of Quebec, Ontario and in the prairies. Preferring poor, sandy soils, it can live up to 150 years. Its long branches, often twisted, sometimes moribund, or even dead, can give it a neglected appearance. Its thin bark, reddish brown to gray at the start of life, takes on a dark brown color when mature, scaly with thick, irregular plates, interspersed with furrows.
The oblong cones scattered all along the branches measure 4 to 5 cm and can stay on the tree for so long, 10 to 15 years, that the lichen has time to develop there. Its seed production begins from the age of 30 and reaches its full potential around the age of 70-80. Seeds in cones can survive up to 25 years. Finally, its short needles are gathered in pairs in a small sheath, installed all around the branch.
The Jack Pine's survival strategy is particularly ingenious. In fact, the female cones, welded together by the resin, only burst under the effect of great heat. Thus, during a fire, the seeds are dispersed over a distance of up to 100 meters and germinate within around ten days. Consequently, the Gray Pine takes the opportunity to invade the territory and, as it grows rapidly during the first 20 years of its life, that’s it! Its survival is therefore directly linked to forest fires, because in the absence of intense heat, the seeds will remain captive. In the past, the pioneers despised this tree and tried to get rid of it by setting it on fire… of course, they ended up with an abundance of Jack Pine!
This species is vital to the survival of the endangered Kirtland's Warbler. In fact, these small birds nest exclusively in pure stands of young Jack Pines.. Furthermore, the porcupine feasts on the cambium of this tree.
