Pine trees are tall, evergreen trees with highly recognizable needles. While they aren’t the most prevalent trees in Missouri (the state has far more oak trees), there are a few different varieties of pine trees that you’re likely to see in Missouri.
Some varieties, like the eastern white pine, are well-known for their medicinal properties. Almost all types of pine trees in Missouri are common food sources for wildlife.
Pine Trees in Missouri
Here are seven varieties of Pine Trees in Missouri that can be added to your yard:
Austrian Pine
The Austrian pine, or pinus nigra, also known as a black pine tree, is an incredibly hardy, tall tree capable of surviving at elevations over 5,000 feet. They grow to between 70 and 115 feet and are commonly used for lumber. They are also well-known for their medicinal qualities. These trees are found all over Missouri, but you will most likely encounter them around parks.
Limber Pine
The limber pine tree, or pinus flexilis, is also sometimes called Rocky Mountain white pine. It is an incredible tree that can reach at least 2,000 years old. They grow to be between 65 and 80 feet tall and provide nourishment for various animals. In Missouri, you’re likely to see the limber pine tree in a garden or public park.
Pitch Loblolly Pine
As the name of the pitch loblolly pine suggests, it is a combination of two other pine trees, the pitch and the loblolly. It is easy to grow and is commonly seen in yards and parks around Missouri. The trees grow in zones between 4 and 7 and are well-known for providing habitats to animals of all varieties. They can also reach incredible heights of 90 feet, making them a suitable choice for someone looking for hedges.
Eastern White Pine
The eastern white pine, or pinus strobus, is a pine tree in Missouri that reaches around 160 feet. It is also known as the Weymouth pine and soft pine trees. They’re known for their medicinal bark and the tree’s ease of use in various construction projects.
Jack Pine
The Canadian jack pine, or pinus banksiana, is also gray or scrub pine. They grow to around 30 to 72 feet in height and are sometimes used in construction projects requiring sturdy trees. But, they are used less commercially than other pine trees found in Missouri due to the prevalence of knots.
Table Mountain Pine
This beautiful pine tree is also known as pinus pungens. Unlike many of the other trees on this list, it grows irregularly. It doesn’t have the straight, well-known form that most pine trees are harvested for lumber because of.
They grow well in small tree groves, separate from the densest forest. They prefer higher elevations and are one of the hardiest trees on this list, capable of growing on the rockiest of slopes.
Japanese Black Pine
The Japanese black pine is one of the tallest pine trees in Missouri. It grows up to 130 feet in height and is sought after for its beauty. The tree is dark grey and darkens even more as the tree ages. If you find the Japanese black pine tree in Missouri, you will likely see it growing in unlikely places. It’s resistant to salt and pollution, meaning that where other trees struggle, it thrives.
Conclusion
Pine trees are strong, tall trees found all over Missouri. The most common varieties you’re likely to find growing in the state include the limber pine, table mountain pine, Austrian pine, and eastern white pine. The trees are relatively fast growing, known to grow up to nearly 200 feet, and some are remarkably long-lived, aging to more than 2,000 years old.