Common Trees of Pennsylvania

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Guide to the Common Trees of Pennsylvania

Trees | Glossary | Visual Guide | Leaf Parts, Types, & Position

Pitch Pine
(Needle-Shaped or Linear)

Pitch pine is a medium sized tree, 40'-50' high. Widespread in Pennsylvania except the Northwestern counties it is more common on poor, sandy soils and areas where forest fires have killed most other trees. Its wood has a high resin content, and is used for railroad ties, construction lumber, pulpwood and fuel. Pitch pine seeds are important to nuthatches, Pine grosbeak and Black-capped chickadee. Deer and rabbits browse the seedlings.

Pinus rigida P.Mill
enlarge

Leaves

Evergreen needles in clusters of 3, stiff, 2½"-5" long, yellowish green.

Twigs

Stout, brittle, rough, angled in cross-section, golden-brown. Buds egg-shaped, about ½" long, resinous, red-brown.

Fruit

Cones 1½"-3½" long with short, stiff prickles, nearly stalkless, often remains attached for 5 years or more after ripening. Many remain unopened until being heated by passing forest fire.

Bark

Green and smooth on young branches, thick, rough, grayish brown on older trunks.

Select a Tree from a menu below, or download the Visual Guide

Needle-Shaped or Linear
Wide & Flat: Opposite Arrangement	Wide and Flat: Alternate Arrangement
Information courtesy of: PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources

Whitetailed Deer
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