Pine Comparison
Pine Species Comparison
Austrian Pine · Jack Pine · Red Pine · Lodgepole Pine
Pine identification can be deceptively challenging. Many species share similar silhouettes—upright trunks, paired needles, persistent cones—yet each has its own structure, texture, and “posture” in the landscape.
This guide compares four common or commonly planted pines in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest:
- Austrian Pine (Pinus nigra)
- Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana)
- Red Pine (Pinus resinosa)
- Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta, var. latifolia)
Some are native, some heavily planted, some rare, and some often misidentified.
Use this reference when sorting out pines in open meadows, windbreaks, restoration plots, or scattered plantings.
Quick Comparison Table
Needles
| Species | Bundles | Length | Texture & Color | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austrian Pine | 2 | 4–6″ | Very stiff, dark green | Needles longest and stiffest of the group; sharp to the touch. |
| Red Pine | 2 | 4–6″ | Flexible, glossy green | Bend-and-snap test: needle snaps cleanly when bent. |
| Jack Pine | 2 | 1–2″ | Short, often twisted | Classic feature: needles curve and twist irregularly. |
| Lodgepole Pine | 2 | 1.5–3″ | Fine, straight, bright green | Slim needles; softer and lighter than Austrian Pine. |
Silhouette Comparison Panel
A profile view of each species’ overall form
Austrian Pine
Broad, rounded, weighty.
Silhouette marked by a deep, muscular crown with dense branching from top to bottom. Lower limbs remain stout for many years, giving the tree a strong, anchored look.
- Crown: rounded, heavy
- Branching: dense and horizontal
- Overall posture: storm-resistant, compact
Red Pine
Tall, open, and airy.
The trunk often clears itself of lower branches, creating a long column topped by a rounded, somewhat open crown.
- Crown: rounded, elevated
- Branching: sparse on trunk, fuller near top
- Overall posture: straight, uniform
Jack Pine
Irregular, scraggly, asymmetrical.
Branches zig-zag and twist, giving the tree an uneven silhouette. Often looks “wind-beaten” even in calm weather.
- Crown: ragged, uneven
- Branching: sparse, angular
- Overall posture: rugged, unpredictable
Lodgepole Pine
Narrow, upright, columnar.
A distinctly slender form, especially in youth, with evenly spaced branches and a tall, tapering crown.
- Crown: narrow, conical
- Branching: regular, evenly spaced
- Overall posture: tall, slender, mountain-pine form
Cones
| Species | Size & Shape | Persistence | Special Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austrian Pine | 2–3″, oval | Drop after a few seasons | Thick, light brown scales with low prickles. |
| Red Pine | 1.5–2.5″, round-oval | Drop yearly | Unarmed scales; cones feel smooth. |
| Jack Pine | 1–2″, curved | Often very persistent | Many are serotinous—open with fire/heat. |
| Lodgepole Pine | 1–2″, egg-shaped | Persistent for many years | Many serotinous; tightly sealed until warmed by heat. |
Bark
| Species | Young Bark | Mature Bark | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austrian Pine | Dark gray-brown | Thick, scaly, blocky | Never orange; stays dark and rugged. |
| Red Pine | Gray at base | Orange-red plates high on trunk | One of the best field marks for the species. |
| Jack Pine | Thin, flaky | Dark, irregular, scaly | More scruffy and uneven than other pines. |
| Lodgepole Pine | Thin, gray-brown | Small, scaly plates | Does not become thick or deeply furrowed. |
Crown / Form
| Species | Crown Shape | Branching | Overall Look |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austrian Pine | Broad, rounded | Dense, heavy | Storm-resistant, muscular silhouette. |
| Red Pine | Tall, open, rounded | Clean lower trunks | Uniform stands common in plantations. |
| Jack Pine | Irregular, scraggly | Often sparse | Looks “messy,” especially in poor soils. |
| Lodgepole Pine | Narrow, upright | Evenly spaced | Noticeably slender; western “mountain pine” look. |
Habitat & Origin
| Species | Native Range | Midwest Presence | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austrian Pine | Europe | Widely planted | Brought by settlers; hardy but disease-prone today. |
| Red Pine | Upper Great Lakes | Native, common | Minnesota’s state tree; extensive reforestations. |
| Jack Pine | Great Lakes, Canada | Native, common locally | Thrives on dry, sandy soils; key in fire ecosystems. |
| Lodgepole Pine | Rockies, Pacific NW | Occasionally planted | Not native; appears in research and restoration plots. |
Field Recognition Tips
Austrian Pine
- Longest, stiffest needles
- Very dark, heavy crown
- Trunk bark stays dark and blocky
- Common in windbreaks and old farm plantings
Red Pine
- Needles flexible, bright green
- “Bend-and-snap” test is reliable
- Bark turns orange high on trunk
- Uniform plantations are common
Jack Pine
- Short, twisted needles
- Small, curved serotinous cones
- Irregular, scruffy crown
- Common in dry sand plains
Lodgepole Pine
- Very narrow young form
- Fine, straight needles
- Layers of persistent cones
- Looks “western” compared to Midwest pines
Photo Index (Optional)
(Add a photo grid here if you’d like visual comparison.)
Notes
This Field Notes comparison page complements the individual tree pages and can be linked from Austrian Pine, Red Pine, Jack Pine, and Lodgepole Pine to help visitors distinguish their features more reliably.