Pinus nigra subsp. nigra, Austrian black pine
Pinus nigra subsp. nigra
- Exposures
- Sun, Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 4a (-34.4°C ≤ T° < -31.7°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Pinaceae
- Genus
- Pine Pinus
- Species
- Black pine Pinus nigra
Other names:Pinus austriaca, Abies marylandica, Abies novae-angliae, Pinus laricio var. nana Pinus laricio subsp. Nigricans, Pinus banatica, Pinus laricio var. austriaca, Pinus laricio var. moseri, Pinus nigra var. austriaca
Better known for its composers, pastries, and empresses than for its trees, Austria is nonetheless home to a remarkable conifer: the Austrian black pine (Latin: Pinus nigra subsp. Nigra). This variety of black pine (Black pine) is distinguished by its dark green foliage and large size.
How can you identify the Austrian black pine (Pinus nigra subsp. Nigra)?
The Austrian black pine grows up to 35 meters tall. This conifer has a pyramidal shape when young and becomes more spreading as it matures. Its rounded crown can span more than fifteen meters.
Blackish, fissured bark covers the straight trunk. The trunk can reach six meters in diameter.
The straight, slightly curved needles grow in pairs. Dark green and not prickly, they measure up to fourteen centimeters.
The flowers bloom in the spring. The male catkins, laden with pollen, appear at the base of the tree, while the female flowers appear at the top. The conifer then produces pinecones. These fruits, measuring five to ten centimeters, have rounded scales. They open to release winged seeds.
The Austrian black pine is not toxic. Neither its foliage nor its pinecones poses any danger if touched or ingested.
Our care tips
Think carefully before planting your Austrian black pine. Once installed, you won't be able to move it.
Watering
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.
Misting
Your Pinus nigra subsp. Nigra hates wet foliage. Don't mist the plant.
Repotting
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.
Fertilization
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.
Prune
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.
Planting
When the risk of frost has passed, it's time to plant.
Choose a sunny, secluded spot. In fact, austrian Black Pines can grow to several tens of meters in height when fully mature, and their deep root system can outcompete other species.
Soak the root ball to rehydrate it and dig a hole at least twice as large. Remove stones, weeds, and roots. You can add sand or compost to improve the soil.
Plant your Austrian black pine. The top of the root ball should be level with the ground. Fill in the hole. Water generously to encourage root establishment.
Sowing
Once the risk of frost has passed, you can sow your Pinus nigra subsp. Nigra seeds.
Your seeds are more likely to germinate if you cold-stratify them.
Fill an airtight bag (such as a freezer bag) with potting soil for seeds and seedlings. Moisten the substrate. Bury your seeds in the substrate, seal the bag, and place it in a location where the temperature is between 0 and 5 °C for three weeks (refrigerator, garage).
Check your seeds regularly to make sure the potting mix stays moist and doesn't rot. As soon as a seed sprouts, 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.
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
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposures
- SunHalf-shade
- Substrates
- Calcareous earthHumus soilSandy soil
- Planting methods
- Open groundIn potsIn tubs
- Category
- Tree
- Tags
- BeginnerHard to killHardy
- Origins
- North AfricaEastern EuropeSouthern Europe
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 4a (-34.4°C ≤ T° < -31.7°C)
- Leaf color
- Dark green
- Fruit color
- Brown
Discover plants from the same family
Black pine
Pinus nigra
Laricio pine
Pinus nigra subsp. laricio
Korean fir
Abies koreana
Nordmann fir
Abies nordmanniana subsp. nordmanniana
Find out more
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
