Pinus nigra nigra in the ground
Pinus nigra nigra in the ground
Credit: S. Lefnaer
Dark green needles Austrian black pine
Dark green needles Austrian black pine
Austrian black pine flowers
Austrian black pine flowers
Credit: A. Levine
Pinus nigra nigra needles
Pinus nigra nigra needles
Credit: A. Levine
Austrian black pine
Austrian black pine
Credit: A. Levine

Pinus nigra subsp. nigra, Austrian black pine

More famous for its composers, pastries and empresses than for its trees, Austria is nevertheless home to a remarkable conifer: the Austrian black pine (in Latin Pinus nigra subsp. Nigra). This variety of Black Black pine (Pinus nigra) is distinguished by its dark green foliage and large size.

How to recognize Austrian black pine (Pinus nigra subsp. Nigra)?

The Austrian black pine grows to a height of 35 meters. This conifer has a pyramidal growth habit when young, then spreads out when mature. Its rounded crown can exceed fifteen meters in span.

The straight trunk is covered with blackish cracked bark. The bole can reach six meters in diameter.

The straight, slightly curved needles are inserted in pairs. Dark green and not prickly, they measure up to fourteen centimetres.

Flowers bloom in spring. The pollen-laden male catkins appear at the base of the tree, the female flowers at the top. The conifer then produces pine cones. These five- to ten-centimetre fruits bear rounded scales. They open to release winged seeds.

Austrian black pine is non-toxic. Both the foliage and the pine cones are harmless if touched or ingested.

Our maintenance tips

Think carefully before planting your Austrian black pine. Once installed, you won't be able to move it.

WateringWatering

Feed your Austrian black pine only when the substrate has dried thoroughly (at least five centimeters). Water generously with room-temperature rainwater and let the excess run off through the drainage holes.

Drain off any stagnant water in the dish or planter. It will rot the roots.

SpraySpray

Your austrian Black Pine hates wet foliage. You must not mist the plant.

RepottingRepotting

Get a perforated pot. You can place a bed of clay balls or gravel at the bottom to improve drainage.

Mix a few handfuls of sand with universal potting soil. Pour a layer of this mixture into your pot and plant your Austrian black pine. Add substrate and pack lightly.

Water to help roots take root and expel air bubbles.

FertilizationFertilization

To promote the growth of your Pinus nigra subsp. Nigra, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
Fertilize your Austrian black pine with a conifer fertilizer once a month. Follow the dosage and manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging the foliage.

PrunePrune

Your Austrian black pine does not need pruning. On the contrary, pruning could be detrimental to its growth.

You can, however, remove dead branches in early summer using a clean, sharp tool, such as pruning shears.

PlantationPlantation

When the risk of frost has passed, it's time to plant.
Choose a sunny, isolated location. Austrian Black Pines can reach several dozen meters in height when fully grown, and its deep root system can compete with other species.

Soak the rootball to rehydrate it and dig a hole at least twice as big. Remove stones, weeds and roots. You can add sand or compost to improve the soil.

Plant your Austrian black pine. The top of the rootball should be level with the ground. Fill in the hole. Water generously toencourage rooting.

SeedlingSeedling

Your seeds are more likely to germinate if you stratify them cold.

Fill an airtight bag (e.g. A freezer bag) with potting soil for seedlings and plantations. Moisten the substrate. Bury your seeds in the potting soil, close the bag and place it in a place where the temperature is between 0 and 5°C for three weeks (refrigerator, garage).

Check your seeds regularly to make sure the potting soil stays moist and doesn't rot. As soon as a seed germinates, you can plant it.
Fill a tray or bowl with seedbed potting soil. Plant your seeds about a centimetre deep, pointing downwards.

Place your seedlings in a bright spot, but not in direct sunlight. The temperature should be at least 15°C.

Water regularly to keep the substrate moist.

Disease / Threat

Information

Family Pinaceae - Pinaceae
Type Pine - Pinus
Species Black pine - Pinus nigra
Lifecycle Perennial
Foliage Evergreen
Exposures
Substrats
Planting methods
Open ground
In pots
In tubs
Category
Tags
Beginner
Increvable
Rustic
Origins
North Africa
Eastern Europe
Southern Europe
Hardiness (USDA) 4a
Leaf color
Fruit color

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