Pitch pine, also known as Pinus rigida, is a small-to-medium-sized pine tree native to eastern North America, primarily from central Maine south to Georgia and as far west as Kentucky. Here are some key facts about pitch pine:

• Appearance: The pitch pine is irregular in shape, but grows to 6–30 meters (20–98 ft) and has twisted branches. The needles are in fascicles (bundles) of three, about 6–13 centimeters (2+1⁄4–5 inches) in length, and are stout (over 1 millimeter or 1⁄16 inch broad) and often slightly twisted. The cones are 4–7 cm (1+1⁄2–2+3⁄4 in) long and oval, with prickles on the scales.

• Habitat: Pitch pine is found mainly in the southern areas of the northeastern United States, from coastal Maine and Ohio to Kentucky and northern Georgia. It grows in environments which other species would find unsuitable, such as poor, sandy, or salty soils, and is often the first tree to vegetate a site after it has been cleared away. It is a climax vegetation type in extreme conditions, but in most cases, it is replaced by oaks and other hardwoods.

• Uses: Pitch pine is not a major timber tree due to the frequency of multiple or crooked trunks, nor is it as fast-growing as other eastern American pines. However, it grows well on unfavorable sites. In the past, it was a major source of pitch and timber for shipbuilding, mine timbers, and railroad ties because the woods high resin content preserves it from decay. As such, it has also been used for elaborate wood constructions, e.g., radio towers. Pitch pine is currently used mainly for rough construction, pulp, crating, and fuel.

• Wildlife: The pitch pine is the larval host for the Pine-devil Moth, and its seed is consumed by various birds. Birds such as the pine warbler, blue jays, black-capped chickadees, and various warblers use Pinus rigida for cover and nesting.

• Other names: Some other common names for Pinus rigida are Jack Pine, Hard Pine, Black Pine, or Yellow Pine. Pinus banksiana is also called Jack Pine, which can create confusion.

Overall, pitch pine is a hardy tree that can grow in harsh environments and has been used for a variety of purposes throughout history.