European black pine (Pinus nigra), also called Austrian pine, was one of the early tree introductions into the United States, first reported in cultivation in 1759. Black pine was one of the first conifers tested for adaptability in the Sandhills of Nebraska. It was also planted extensively by homesteaders on the Great Plains in the early 1900’s to provide beauty and protection from wind and snow on the treeless prairies.
The most common seed sources of European black pine introduced into the United States have been from Austria and the Balkans. Today, European black pine is one of the most common introduced ornamentals in the United States.

European black pine is native to Europe, but has been found to be hardy in southern Ontario and New England, the North Central United States, and in parts of the West; and, along with Scotch pine, Japanese black pine, and Japanese red pine, it is reported to have become naturalized in parts of New England, the Lake States and as far west as Missouri.

In parts of its native European habitat, black pine grows in a cool to cold temperate climate. The northern varieties are very frost-hardy, withstanding temperatures of -22° F, and the southern varieties tolerate 19° F temperatures. Annual precipitation varies from 24 to 40 in. Black pine withstands the weight of ice well and is considered hardy except in the coldest, hottest, and driest regions.
In the Great Plains region, European black pine is not a demanding species and grows well throughout a broad range of soils. It is adapted to many soil types and topographic habitats and although often is found on poor, calcium laden, sandy, and even limestone soils. Although it will grow in poor soil mixtures, it requires a deep soil. It is suitable for most Great Plains windbreak and shelterbelt sites. Once established, the rate of growth is good.

European black pine transplants well when small, or when larger if transplanted while dormant. It is a fast and vigorously growing tree of pyramidal form with full, dark foliage. It grows rapidly, is hardy, and provides an excellent windbreak. European black pine matures at about 80 years of age, commonly developing a flat, round, or spreading crown. The species attains heights of 66 to 165 ft. The species is classified as intolerant of shade, and, therefore, must be planted in situations where it will receive full sunlight.

European black pine is susceptible to infection by some pathogens that cause damage to seedlings, foliage, stems, and roots. Damping-off and seedling root rots, caused by fungal infections as well as the loss of seedling vigor caused by the dagger nematode (Xiphinema amencanum) are among the most common causes of seedling damage in nurseries.

Dothistroma needle blight, caused by the fungus Dothistroma pini, is one of the most damaging of the foliage diseases of some varleites of black pine. The fungus has been found in 23 States in the United States and in three Provinces in Canada.This needle blight is widespread and can cause extensive damage to Austrian pine in shefterbeft, ornamental, and Christmas tree plantings in the central and southern Great Plains. Infection of current-year needles first occurs in mid-July, while infection of second-year needles begins in late May. Symptoms develop in early September to early November and consist of yellow and tan spots and bands that appear water-soaked on the needles. The bands and spots may turn brown and the infected needles are cast prematurely. Fortunately, superior genetic resistance to Dothistroma needle blight has been detected in European black pine. Damage to black pine by pine aphids, pine beetles, and pine weevils has been reported, but growing trees, on the whole, are relatively free from insect pests.

Black pine is grown for estate and landscape uses due to its rapid growth, soil tolerance and disease resistance.The species has been planted extensively in cold, semi-arid regions because of its capacity to withstand drought, to grow on light, dry sandy soils of low productivity, and to tolerate fill. It is being increasingly used in urban and industrial environmental improvement plantings because of its rapid growth and insensitivity to salt spray and industrial dust, dry soil, and smoke.
This frost-hardy, wind resistant, and light-demanding species has been widely used for nearly 100 years in windbreaks and roadside plantings throughout the eastern Great Plains of the United States, where its dense foliage and stiff branches withstand wind, ice, and heavy snow.

Robin Milliken is a Landscape Specialist and Master Gardener
The Master Gardener appears monthly in The Olathe Daily News.
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