Pitch pine

Pitch pine (Pinus rigida) is a sturdy, medium-sized pine tree native to eastern North America, typically growing in sandy or rocky soils. It reaches about 50-90 feet tall and is characterized by its stiff, twisted needles grouped in threes and its reddish-brown bark that often develops thick, ridged plates with age. Pitch pine is well-adapted to fire-prone environments; its seeds often require fire to open cones and germinate. It provides important habitat and food for wildlife, and its durable wood has historically been used for construction and fuel.