61 Different Types of Pine Trees With Picture Identification

Thinking of planting some pine trees, but aren't sure which type you should pick? There are many different types of pines you can add to your yard or garden, so picking just one can be a difficult thing to do. In this article, we look at the many different pine tree types, with pictures of each!

Close up of three gray-brown pinecones that are slightly opened up to reveal dark brown interiors growing among short, bright green, thin needle-like leaves in bright light.

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Pine trees are the most widely known species, as their abundant presence and benefits are mighty. These trees are some of the most remarkable species for medicinal uses, timber, and natural disaster protection.

These magnificent trees can live for more than a hundred years. They are coniferous, meaning they produce cones that hold their seeds, and they have thin needles instead of leaves. Depending on the species, these needles can be short or so long that they hang downward. These needles do not fall off in the cold winter months.

We could talk about hundreds of different types of pine trees. However, in this comprehensive guide, we will cover 61 different pine trees native to regions around the world.

Aleppo Pine

Close up of six cone shaped seed pods with a wood-like structure, covered in orangeish-brown scales with black spots in the center of each scale. Four of the cones grow in a bunch off of a branch toward the center of the photo that is in focus, the far left is another cone that is partially out of view, and one in the back-left is blurred. The cones grow among green needle-like leaves in a tree.
Aleppo pine loves all types of soil, even calcareous, dry, and shallow.
common-name common name Aleppo Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus halepensis
water-needs water needs Low
height height 50-80 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 8-11

The first species of pine tree is the Aleppo pine. Pinus halepensis is native to countries around the Mediterranean Basin. Aleppo pine is an important species for the eastern Mediterranean populations as a resin, wood, and honey resource.

The Pinus halepensis has purple-brown colored bark and grows to heights of 50 to 80 feet. The Aleppo pine has long dark-green needles, pepper-shaped cones, and an irregular spherical shape.

While it’s an essential resource for countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, it’s not ideal for farming or harvesting wood because of its odd shape and poor-quality wood.

Apache Pine

Zoomed-in view of the upper most part of a tall tree. The trunk is covered with a highly textured reddish-brown bark with thin textured branches growing out of it that curve slightly upward. The tips of each branch have an orange cone growing out of it. The leaves are green and very long and thin, like needles.
Apache pine has dark brown bark and upward-curved branches with dull green needles.
common-name common name Apache Pine, Arizona Longleaf Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus engelmannii Carr
water-needs water needs Low
height height 50-82 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 8-11

The Pinus engelmannii Carr grows in Arizona and one area of New Mexico, with primary distribution in the northern Sierra Madre Occidental of Mexico. Commonly referred to as the Apache pine, this species has dark brown bark, straight branches that curve upwards, and dull green needles that come in bundles of three and sometimes five.

A matured Apache pine grows to 50 to 82 feet in semiarid climates. This species has suitable wood for harvesting but doesn’t have a high enough existence for exploitation.

Arizona Pine

Close up of a brown cone shaped seed pod with a woody structure. Very lush green needle like leaves grow around it. The sun shines brightly on the leaves and cone.
Arizona pine is native to northern Mexico and parts of Arizona.
common-name common name Arizona Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus arizonica
water-needs water needs Low
height height 80-112 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 6-8

The Pinus arizonica, or the Arizona pine, grows in the southwest of the United States. The Arizona pine grows best in the climates of South-West New Mexico, South-East Arizona, and in regions of upper Mexico.

Native to Arizona, this species has thick spread-out branches, needles grouped in three to four bunches, and a rounded top. A matured Arizona pine is a relatively more giant pine tree, growing to heights of 112 feet with a wide trunk.

Most Arizona pines aren’t accessible as they grow on slopes, canyons, and other higher places at elevations of 7,000 to 7,500 feet. In Mexico, populations harvest the Arizona pine heavily, resulting in an overall decrease in its total expansion area.

Austrian Pine

Close up of three cone shaped seed pods with a wood-like structure, covered in light yellow-brown scales  The cones grow among green needle-like leaves in a tree.
Austrian pine is among the longest livers. Its lifespan can vary from 200 to 600 years.
common-name common name Austrian Pine, Black Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus nigra
water-needs water needs Low
height height 50-60 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 5-8

The Pinus nigra has dark green needles, with branches extending horizontally and up from the trunk. This species can grow up to 40 to 60 feet tall, with the oldest appearing taller and having darker bark.

The Pinus nigra is often referred to as the Austrian pine, as it is used decoratively in Europe and the United States. Still, its native habitat is in the Mediterranean Basin. This species’ scientific name comes from the fact that as the tree ages, its bark darkens. This latter tendency also gives it the common name of black pine.

Urban areas plant this species to help areas where air pollution, drainage issues, compact soil, and drought occur often. The Pinus nigra is a widespread plant with variations present in the U.S., Greece, Turkey, Crimea, Canada, and the coastal regions of the Black Sea.

Bishop Pine

Zoomed-in view of the upper most branches of a tall tree. There are several thin textured branches growing out of the central trunk. The tips of each branch have a brownish cone growing out of it. The leaves are green and very long and thin, like needles. Some of the needle leaves have browned. The sun is bright with a clear blue sky in the background.
Bishop pine is a tree with closed cones that can reach 50 feet tall.
common-name common name Bishop Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus muricata
water-needs water needs Low
height height 40-50 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 7-9

The Pinus muricata grows along the California Coast and in Oregon’s furthest southern coastal counties. This tree is commonly called the Bishop pine and is a dominant species in closed-cone pine forests.

The Bishop pine has dark gray bark, upward extending branches, and upward curving needles in grouped pairs. This species can grow to heights of 40 to 50 feet tall and, sometimes, have more than one trunk leading out from its base.

The Bishop pine is a suitable tree for erosion control and dune stabilization and is adequate for papermaking.

Bosnian Pine

Close up of a brown cone-shaped seed pod with a woody structure that is opened up to reveal where small seeds once were. Green needle like-leaves grow around it from thin branches.
Bosnian pine is a pine tree with dark gray bark, undersized and slow-growing.
common-name common name Bosnian Pine, Munika, Whitebark Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus heldreichii
water-needs water needs Low
height height 30-40 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 6-8

Commonly referred to as the Bosnian pine, this tree is native to Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Serbia. The name of this species of Pinus comes from its discoverer, Theodor von Heldreich, a Greek botanist in the latter half of the 19th century.

The Pinus heldreichii is a slow-growing pine with stiff, dark green needles and dark gray bark. This species grows into an oval or pyramid shape since its branches extend outward and curve upward from the trunk.

When planted outside of its native ecosystem, the Bosnian pine may suffer from rust, root rot, and insects like moths, beetles, and bagworms are attracted to this tree.

Canary Island Pine

Close up of a yellow cone shaped seed pods growing on the tips of several thin branches. Very lush green needle like leaves grow around it. The sun shines brightly on the leaves and cones. There is a clear blue sky in the background.
Canary Island pine cones are greenish-red at a young age and at a more mature age brown.
common-name common name Canary Island Pine, Pino Canario
botanical-name botanical name Pinus canariensis
water-needs water needs Low
height height 125-200 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 9-11

The P. canariensis pine is another tree that originated in the Mediterranean Basin. It’s commonly referred to as the Canary Islands pine since it’s an important tree for the natives to gather water and package bananas with its fallen leaves.

The Canary Island pine grows to 125 to 200 feet tall with thick red-brown bark and long dark needles. A fully matured canariensis pine takes on a triangular shape, requiring proper sunlight and moist soil conditions.

While it’s a unique tree to the Canary Islands, it’s also planted in the Western U.S. states, like California.

Caucasian Pine

Zoomed-in view of the upper most branches of a tall tree in a forest. There are several thin textured grey-brown branches growing from the central trunk. The leaves are green and very thin, like needles.
The Caucasian pine is native to the Caucasus Mountains region in the country of Georgia.
common-name common name Caucasian Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus kochiana
height height 85-115 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-7

The Pinus kochiana is native to Caucasus, Crimea, and the western part of small Asia. Commonly referred to as the Caucasian pine, this species has grayish bark threat grows below and reddish-yellow bark that grows above. The cones grow in pairs and sometimes in singles. They turn brown, purple-brown, or light gray in maturity.

A matured Caucasian pine can grow to heights between 85-115 feet and generally has an erect or sometimes curved trunk. The top of the tree tends to be very dense. These pine trees grow on rocks made of volcanic layers.

Chihuahua Pine

Zoomed-in view of branches growing on a tree. There are several thin textured grey-brown branches growing from the central trunk. The leaves are bright green and very long and thin, like needles. The tips of each branch look like short green needle-covered branches that curve upward toward the sky. There is lots of sunshine on the tree.
Chihuahua pine is an evergreen pine tree that is native to Mexico.
common-name common name Chihuahua Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus leiophylla
water-needs water needs Low
height height 60-140 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 8-10

The Pinus leiophylla is native to Mexico, Arizona, and New Mexico, growing at elevations between 5,000 and 11,000 feet. Commonly referred to as the Chihuahua pine, this species has thick, rough bark, long and slim branches, and light green needles in bunches of three to five.

A matured Chihuahua pine can grow to heights between 60 and 140 feet and have branches that slope upwards, beginning at the upper 60% of the tree’s trunk. The Chihuahua pine exists alongside other pines but can also stand alone.

This species is planted commercially in the East African countries of Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.

Chinese Red Pine

Close up of thin, flexible, grey-brown branches growing from a tree. The tips of each branch have a brownish-orange cone growing out the end of it. The leaves are needle-like, green and very long and thin.
Chinese red pine is an unusual source for vanillin, an artificial vanilla substitute.
common-name common name Chinese Red Pine, Southern Chinese Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus tabuliformis
water-needs water needs Low
height height 70-80 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 6-8

The Pinus tabuliformis has gray-brown bark and dark green needles with a flat dome-shaped top. The Pinus tabuliformis, commonly referred to as the Chinese red pine, is native to China and Korea and is present at elevations of 350 to 8,500 feet. These pine trees grow to heights of around 80 feet at mature ages.

Its scientific name comes from its flatter shape, with P. tabuliformis meaning “table-shaped” in Latin. Interestingly enough, the pulpwood of this tree is one source of vanillin, an artificial vanilla flavor substitute.

Chir Pine

Zoomed in view of a large tree with unseen branches with yellow cone shaped clusters growing on the tips. Very lush green needle-like leaves grow around it that are so long they hang downward.
Chir pine grows in the Himalayas, distributed in the forests of Asia.
common-name common name Chir Pine, Longleaf Indian Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus roxburghii
water-needs water needs Low
height height 100-180 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 8-11

The Pinus roxburghii has thick, red-brown bark and light-green needles, with branches that curve upwards until they’re nearly horizontal at the ends. A matured Pinus roxburghii grows to heights of around 180 feet.

Native to the Himalayan mountains, this species grows at high elevations of 1,500 to 7,500 feet. Pinus roxburghii is commonly referred to as the chir pine or the longleaf Indian pine because of its medicinal properties used in India.

Coulter Pine

Close up of a brown cone-shaped seed pod with a woody structure that is opened up. Each scale-like opening is pointed. Green needle-like leaves grow around it from thin, dark branches that curve slightly upward.
Coulter pine is native to Mexico and California. It is known for its heavy, irregularly crowned cones.
common-name common name Coulter Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus coulteri
water-needs water needs Low
height height 30-83 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 8-10

Pinus coulteri is the dominant species in many areas of southern California and Mexico. Commonly referred to as the Coulter pine, this species has weak, light wood, making it a pine species less likely to be planted for its timber.

The Coulter pine has thick dark bark, ascending branches, and long needles in groups of three. A mature tree of this species can grow to varying heights between 30 to 83 feet and lives up to 100 years.

This species typically grows on slopes and ridges at elevations between 500 to 7,000 feet. Most uses of the Coulter pine are for personal reasons, like decorations or for crafts.

The Coulter pine is a popular tree for urban landscapes due to its distinctive, attractive look and is often used to create drought-tolerant landscaping.

Douglas Pine

Close up of a brown cone-shaped seed pod with a woody structure that is closed and tight, showing a brown scaly texture on the exterior. Green needle like-leaves grow around it from thin branches. There are a few smaller gray cone-shaped seed pods growing on the same branch. The background is blurry.
Douglas pine, originally from Mexico, has rough brown bark and curved oval cones.
common-name common name Douglas Pine, Pino, Ocote
botanical-name botanical name Pinus douglasiana
water-needs water needs Low
height height 120-150 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 7-8

The Pinus douglasiana is native and only exists in Mexico states of Jalisco, Michoacán, and northern Morelos, but it does expand into areas further north and south. Commonly called the Douglas pine or Pino, this species has drooping needles that grow in bundles of five to seven, rough bark, and curved oval-shaped cones.

The trunk of the Douglas pine grows straight up, reaching heights of around 150 feet, with branches that begin at the upper third of the trunk.

Durango Pine

Close up of thin highly textured thin branches growing from a tall tree with thin, green, needle-like leaves. The sun shines through on the branches.
The Durango pine is native to Mexico and can reach heights up to 120 feet.
common-name common name Durango Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus durangensis
water-needs water needs Low
height height 100-125 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 8-11

The Pinus durangensis is native to the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Durango, Zacatecas, and Jalisco. Better known as the Durango pine, its primary distribution area is in the extensive mountain range of the northern Sierra Madre Occidental.

The Durango pine has horizontally descending branches, dark brown bark, and stiff needles that come in bundles of five to eight, but mostly five. This species grows to heights of 100 to 125 feet at elevations between 5,200 and 9.200 feet.

This species is a valuable timber tree for Mexico’s commercial logging industry.

Image Credit: agnishinoCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. (Image use allowed with attribution)

False White Pine

Close up view of low-growing branches growing on a tree. There are several thin textured  dark brown branches growing upward. The leaves are bright green and very long and thin, like needles. Grass and more trees grow in the background.
False white pine is native to El Salvador and Mexico and can reach up to 125 feet.
common-name common name False White Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus pseudostrobus
water-needs water needs Low
height height 65-125 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 9-11

This species name, Pinus pseudostrobus, meaning false white pine, is native to El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. The false white pine has red-gray-brown bark that darkens as it ages and needles that come in bundles of five.

The false white pine reaches heights between 65 and 125 feet tall at maturity. This species’ most enormous recorded tree lives in the Woodbush Forest Reserve of South Africa.

As a resource, regions of southern Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras harvest the timber of the false white pine, resulting in an overall decrease in the tree’s stronger strands.

Foothill Pine

Close up of a short brown cone-shaped seed pod with a woody structure that is opened up. Each scale-like opening is pointed and slightly curved. Green needle-like leaves grow around it from thin, gray branches that curve slightly upward. The day is sunny and more greenery is in the blurred background.
Foothill pine has a curved, resinous trunk with black-brown, deeply grooved bark, and blue-green/grey foliage.
common-name common name Foothill Pine, Gray Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus sabiniana
water-needs water needs Low
height height 80-120 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 8-10

The Pinus sabiniana is native to the coastal climates of California and the Great Basin. Commonly referred to as the Foothill pine or gray pine, this species grows crookedly to heights of around 120 feet in the foothill woodland, northern oak woodland, and other forests of the same species.

Native tribes of California once consumed the seeds of this species. Many continue to gain nutritional benefits from its seeds. The largest recorded Foothill pine, residing in Grass Valley, California, has a height of a little over 134 feet.

Greg’s Pine

Upward and slightly zoomed-in view of branches of a tall tree. There are several thin textured gray-brown branches growing out of the central trunk toward the left. The leaves are green and very long and thin, like needles. Other trees that don't have leaves on them are in the background against a clear blue sky.
Greg’s pine has dark gray bark and straight, bright green needles.
common-name common name Greg’s Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus greggii
water-needs water needs Low
height height 60-80 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 8-10

The Pinus greggii is native to eastern Mexico states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Hidalgo, and much of central to east-central Mexico. This species is normally referred to as Greg’s pine. Greg’s pine has dark gray-brown bark, a vertical trunk, and straight, bright-green needles that occur in bundles of three.

A fully matured Greg’s pine can reach heights and grow at elevations between 7,500 and 9,000 feet. This small to medium-sized pine species thrives in Mexico’s tropical rainy, dry, and hot climates.

Henry’s Pine

Close up of a cone shaped seed pod with a wood-like structure, covered in orangeish-brown scales with dark brown spots in the center of each scale. The scales have opened up slightly to show a red interior. The cone grows among green needle-like leaves in a tree.
An established Henry’s pine can tolerate drought and temperatures as low as 5 degrees.
common-name common name Henry’s Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus henryi
water-needs water needs Low
height height 75-98 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 6-9

Native to the Eastern Asia region, the Pinus henryi thrives in dry climates with lots of sunshine and grows vertically to around 98 feet. In its native habitats of China and Vietnam, it’s harvested for its wood to construct furniture and other items.

Commonly referred to as Henry’s pine, this species is on the near-threatened list, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The declining presence of this species is because of locals’ use of the tree and the fact that it only exists in its native habitat.

Image Credit: Plant Image Library from Boston, USACC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (Image use allowed with attribution)

Herrera Pine

Close up of a single cone-shaped seed pod that has a scaly texture and a woody structure. The scales are slightly opened up to reveal a reddish brown interior. The cone grows from a highly textured thin brown branch on the left. Several needle-like leaves surround the cone.
The cold hardiness limit for the Herrera pine is between 30-40 degrees.
common-name common name Herrera Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus herrerae
water-needs water needs Low
height height 80-120 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 9-10

The Pinus herrerae is native to Mexico regions and grows at elevations between 4,000 and 8,000 feet. Commonly referred to as the Herrera pine, this species has thick red-brown bark, branches that extend horizontally and droop, and yellow-green needles that appear in bunches of three.

This species matures at heights between 80 and 120 feet, with a rounded shape and almost symmetrical oval cones.

Image Credit: Sergio Hernández-León, David S. Gernandt, Jorge A. Pérez de la Rosa, Lev Jardón-BarbollaCC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (Image use allowed with attribution)

High Mountain Pine

Slightly zoomed-in view of the upper most branches of a tall tree among other trees of different species. There are several thin textured branches growing from the central trunk. The leaves are green and very thin, like needles. Some clusters of the leaves have browned in the sun. The clear blue sky is in the background. This tree towers over the others.
An adult High Mountain pine grows quite large with reddish-brown oval conical bark and broad branches up to 16 feet high.
common-name common name High Mountain Pine, Chinese Mountain Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus densata
water-needs water needs Low
height height 80-98 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-7

This Eastern Asian pine, Pinus densata, exists only in the Tibetan Plateau and the surrounding provinces. Mature P. densatas grow to around 98 feet tall, with long, stiff needles sprawling around their cones.

Since this species only grows in China, it’s commonly called Sikang pine, meaning High Mountain pine. It earned its name High Mountain pine, because it’s one of China’s native pine species that grows at high elevations of 8,500 to 13,800 feet.

Huangshan Pine

Several tall trees with dark, thick, sturdy trunks grow alongside a rocky mountainside. Each tree has several branches that grow horizontally from bottom to top. The branches are lined with needle-like leaves that are thin and green. Dry, gray, and leafless brush are toward the front of the photo.
Huangshan pine grows along the ridges of Huangshan Mountain in China’s Anhui Province.
common-name common name Huangshan Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus hwangshanensis
water-needs water needs Low
height height 80-100 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 7-9

The Pinus hwangshanensis is native to the Anhui province of China, a region known for the Huangshan mountains. Its initial discovery in these mountains accounts for this species’ name, Huangshan pine, which means “Yellow Mountains.”

Huangshan pines grow along the ridges of Huangshan Mountain at elevations of 2,000 to 11,000 feet. This pine tree species is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful of its kind, and luckily, the mountain’s ecosystem is a World Heritage Site, meaning it is protected.

The trees cover the sides of Huangshan Mountain, spreading their branches and needles flat along the mountain.

Italian Stone Pine

Upper-most part of a tree growing against a clear blue sky. The dark trunk has a central leader with more spreading branches that do not grow leaves until the top most part of the tree. The leaves are thin, bright green, and needle-like. The leaves grow in a smooth, rounded crown  silhouette. It looks sort of like an umbrella. They are two other trees that sit beneath the central one. One is of the same species, but the other is different.
Italian stone pine is native to Lebanon and Turkey. It is also called umbrella pine due to its umbrella-like canopy.
common-name common name Italian Stone Pine, Umbrella Pine, Mediterramean Stone Pine, Parasol Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus pinea
water-needs water needs Low
height height 40-80 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 9-11

The Pinus pinea is often called an umbrella pine because of its round umbrella-shaped top. In addition, this species has long horizontal branches that curve up at the ends, red-brown bark, and symmetrical oval-shaped cones.

Since there isn’t a record of someone describing the umbrella pine early on, it’s difficult to determine its exact natural range. In addition, the umbrella pine provides pine nuts, making it a widely cultivated tree for its seeds and giving it its name, pinea, meaning “pine nut” in Italian.

Jack Pine

Close up of a single cone-shaped seed pod that has a scaly texture and a woody structure. The scales are light brown with a gray center, closed up tight. The cone grows from a thin gray-brown branch. Several short needle-like leaves surround the cone, growing from the branch. The background is green and blurred.
Jack pine produces curved cones and has unique swirling needles.
common-name common name Jack Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus banksiana
water-needs water needs Low
height height 30-100 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

The Pinus banksiana is native to North America and is the only pine that exists in the furthest northern regions. This species is commonly called Jack pine; specifically, this species lives in the northern U.S. and extends up to Cape Town, Nova Scotia.

The Jack pine has orange-red-brown bark, branches that begin to descend at the ends and yellow-green needles that come in bunches of two. This species tends to grow asymmetrically, and with each growing differently, they have no distinct shape.

Natives use the Jack pine for its hard, heavy wood to construct telephone poles and fence posts. In addition, this species is a pine tree planted for use as a Christmas tree.

Jalisco Pine

Several tall thin trees growing in a forest. The trunks are long, thinnish, and dark because the sun is shining brightly from the other side. The branches are very flexible, long, and thin, and the leaves grow on them sparingly. The leaves are green, long, and thin, like needles.
Jalisco pine is native to Jalisco, Mexico, and has thin bark and long, flexible branches with light green needles.
common-name common name Jalisco Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus jaliscana
water-needs water needs Low
height height 65-100 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 9-10

The Pinus jaliscana is native to the subtropical western mountains of Jalisco, Mexico. Commonly called the Jalisco pine, this species has thin bark, long flexible branches, and light green needles that grow in bundles of four to five.

The Jalisco pine takes on a rounded oval shape with a long vertical trunk and a fully grown pine reaching heights between 65 and 100 feet. This species grows on slopes, near stream banks, and other surfaces where water is available.

Japanese Black Pine

Small forest of several trees growing on a bright and sunny day. The sky is clear blue. Each tree has a strong central trunk that is textured in gray-brown bark that has a slight curve to it. Branches start to grow from the trunk about a quarter of the way up. The branches grow horizontally in a uniform manner. Lush foliage grows on each branch. The leaves are long, bright green, and thin, like needles. The lush green lawn in which the trees grow from is well manicured and very neat.
Japanese black pine is known for its conical overall shape and is commonly used in landscapes as a bonsai.
common-name common name Black Pine, Japanese Black Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus thunbergii
water-needs water needs Low
height height 100-125 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 5-8

The Pinus thunbergia has dark brown bark, light brown branches, and thick, dark green needles. This species reaches mature heights of around 125 feet and takes on an asymmetrical triangular shape.

As a species native to Japan, it gets its nickname Japanese black pine because of its architectural importance in Japan. In the 14th and 15th centuries and the Edo period, many structures comprised wood from the Pinus thunbergia.

Its scientific name comes from Pehr Thunberg, a Swedish botanist who was the first to write about Japanese botanical flora.

Japanese Red Pine

Close up of two short rounded cone-shaped seed pods that have a scaly texture and a woody structure. The scales are gray and slightly opened up to reveal a dark brown interior. The cones grow from thin gray-brown branches. Several long needle-like leaves surround the cones, growing from the textured branches. The background is the rest of the tree. The day is sunny and bright.
Japanese red pine is a dwarf pine variety and is believed to be the most common pine tree native to Japan.
common-name common name Japanese Red Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus densiflora
water-needs water needs Low
height height 80-100 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-7

The Pinus densiflora is native to the Northern Eurasian countries of Japan, Korea, and China and has some presence in Russia. The tree is of historical importance to Japanese architecture. Today, it is used decoratively in Western cultures because of its presence in Japan around the 14th and 16th centuries.

The Japanese red pine has a red-brown trunk that separates into several different branches near the bottom of the base. These irregular, sprawled branches grow away from one another, with short bright-green needles forming around the ends of either unit. The needles appear as an umbrella, making it a very majestic pine tree.

P. densiflora can grow in lower elevations near sea level, and they’re a slow-growing species that can reach heights of around 100 feet. At the same time, smaller variations of the Japanese red pine are used decoratively in bonsai.

Jeffrey Pine

Slightly zoomed-in upward view of the upper most branches of a tall tree. There are several thin textured branches growing from the central trunk that is thin and reddish-brown. The leaves are short, green and very thin, like needles. The clear blue sky is in the background.
Jeffrey pine is extremely drought tolerant and tolerates poor soil conditions well.
common-name common name Jeffrey Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus jeffreyi
water-needs water needs Low
height height 150-200 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 5-8

The Pinus jeffreyi grows in the U.S. states of California, southwest Oregon, and western Nevada. Commonly referred to as the Jeffrey pine, this species can tolerate colder climates and drought.

The Jeffrey pine has thick yellow-brown bark, spread-out branches that move upward, and varying needle thickness depending on the tree’s elevation and sun exposure. For example, trees at higher elevations have thicker needles, while a Jeffrey pine in the shade has thinner ones.

This species is a slow-growing tree that can live 400 to 500 years and can reach heights of 200 feet.

Khasi Pine

Upward and slightly zoomed-in view of branches of a tall tree against a blue sky with some puffy white clouds. There are several thin textured gray-brown branches with lots of leaves growing that are green and very long and thin, like needles.
Khasi pine is a fast-growing species of Asiatic pine rarely grown outside of its homeland.
common-name common name Khasi Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus kesiya
water-needs water needs Low to Medium
height height 80-100 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 9

The Pinus kesiya, known as the Khasi pine, is a native species of the Eastern Asian countries of India, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, China, and Vietnam. The Khasi pine grows in the subtropical climate of this region but can withstand dryer seasons where a fire is expected.

Natives use this tree species to construct house parts, paper, and other things because its wood is lighter. The Khasi pine has short, dark-green needles that point upwards from the branches, with a possible full-grown tree reaching up to 100 feet tall.

This species is prominent in the Luzon Tropical Pine Forests of the Philippines, as it gets hundreds of inches of rain a year.

Knobcone Pine

Upward zoomed-in view of a tree branch with four light brown cone shaped seed pods that have a scaly texture and woody structure growing from a single thin branch. The branch is covered in very short needle-like green leaves. The blurred background is the rest of the tree with a tall thin central trunk growing against the sky.
Knobcone pine grows on the west coast of the United States and has a purple-brown bark.
common-name common name Knobcone Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus attenuata
water-needs water needs Low
height height 20-40 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 9

Pinus attenuata populates the West Coast of the U.S. in southern Oregon and northern California. The Pinus attenuata is commonly referred to as the knobcone pine, and it grows in patches usually surrounded by other species of pine trees.

The knobcone pine has purple-brown bark, ascending branches, and yellow-green needles in groups of three. A matured knobcone pine snowballs to heights of 20 to 40 feet and has an open appearance, so the branches aren’t closely confined.

This species isn’t prone to insect or disease attacks, so its population isn’t of concern. As a native to the West Coast U.S., the knobcone pine prefers wet winters and dry summers.

Lawson’s Pine

Close up of a single thin reddish branch that curves slightly upward covered in very thin and long green leaves that are like needles. More of these leaves grow from the top right of the photo. The background is green and blurry.
Lawon’s pine is an evergreen tree with a domed and often irregular crown.
common-name common name Lawson’s Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus lawsonii
water-needs water needs Low
height height 80-100 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 8-10

The Pinus lawsonii is native to Mexico in Michoacán, Morelos, Distrito Federal, Veracruz, Guerrero, and Oaxaca. Often referred to as Lawson’s pine, this species grows in forests at elevations of 1,300 to 2,600 meters and prefers warmer climates.

Lawson’s pine has a straight vertical trunk, bark that thickens with age, and stiff needles that form in bundles of three to four, sometimes five. This species grows to around 100 feet tall and takes on a pyramid-like shape with a curved top.

Image Credit: Krzysztof GolikCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (Image use allowed with attribution)

Loblolly Pine

Close up of a single short cone-shaped seed pods that has a scaly texture and a woody structure. The scales are gray-brown and slightly open up to reveal a dark brown interior. The cone grows from a thin gray-brown branch. Several long needle-like leaves surround the cones, growing from the textured branches. Most of the leaves are green but some have become yellow-brown. The blurred background is the rest of the tree.
Loblolly pine prefers landscapes on swampy and waterlogged soils.
common-name common name Loblolly Pine, Old Field Pine, North Carolina Pine, Arkansas Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus taeda
water-needs water needs Low
height height 60-90 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 6-9

Pinus taeda is native to the southeastern U.S. states of New Jersey, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and the Gulf States. Commonly called the Loblolly pine, this species is fast-growing and adaptable, making it a suitable species for soil rehabilitation.

In the U.S., foresters harvest the Loblolly pine for its abundance of lumber and pulpwood, making a commercially exploited timber tree. Loblolly pine has irregular-shaped red-brown bark, slender orange-yellow-brown branches that turn darker with age, and yellow-green needles appearing in bundles of two to three.

The Loblolly pine is prone to insect damage from the southern pine beetle, fusiform rust, root rot, and black root rot, and it cannot handle freezing conditions.

Longleaf Pine

Zoomed-in view of a tree with thin branches that curve upward with yellow cone-shaped clusters growing on the tips. Very lush green, long needle-like leaves grow around on the branches. the day is bright and sunny.
Longleaf pine has a unique straight trunk with very long dark green needles.
common-name common name Longleaf Pine, Long Straw Pine, Southern Yellow Pine, Swap Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus palustris
water-needs water needs Low
height height 100-120 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 7-10

Pinus palustris is native to the southeast U.S. coastal states from the lower parts of Virginia to Louisiana. This species also exists in Mississippi and flows into eastern Texas.

Commonly referred to as the longleaf pine, this once filled 59 to 87 million acres, but, unfortunately, it’s suffered population declines. Now the longleaf pine covers around 5 to 10 million acres. Longleaf pine itself is still unthreatened, but its larger distribution areas are home to various endangered plants and animals.

The longleaf pine has long needles, which accounts for its nickname. It can grow to heights of 100 to 120 feet tall.

Luchu Pine

Close up view of three small clusters of needle-like leaves rowing at the tips of small branches that stem from a thicker gray-brown branch, which is blurred and out of focus. The leaves are green, very thin, and short. There are tiny brown cone-shaped clusters growing in each set of leaves.
Luchu pine is a rare pine tree native to Okinawa, Japan.
common-name common name Luchu Pine, Ryukyu Island Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus luchuensis
water-needs water needs Low
height height 50-80 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 8-10

Pinus luchuensis has gray, smooth bark and dark-green needles that slope upward while creating a flat top. This species can grow to heights of up to 50 to 80 feet.

The Luchu pine appears similar to and is often mistaken for the Pinus taiwanensis and the Pinus hwangshanensis. This pine tree is native to countries in North Eurasia, specifically the Japanese islands of Okinawa and Ryukyu.

The Ryukyu Island pine grows in lower elevations near sea level, with the oldest of its kind reported on an island near Okinawa. The oldest known tree of this species is almost 300 years old.

Lumholtz’s Weeping Pine

Zoomed in view of a large tree with thin flexible brown branches. Lush green needle-like leaves grow from the branches that are so long they hang downward. Some of the leaves in the background have browned. The day is sunny and bright.
Lumholtz’s weeping pine has exceptionally long vertically hanging needles that grow 8-12 inches long.
common-name common name Lumholtz’s Weeping Pine, Pino Triste
botanical-name botanical name Pinus lumholtzii
water-needs water needs Low
height height 50-65 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 8

Pinus lumholtzii is a unique pine species that grows in Mexico at elevations of 6,600 and 8,500 feet. It gets its nickname, the Lumholtz’s weeping pine or the Pino Triste, meaning “sad pine,” in Spanish because of its long drooping needles and branches.

Lumholtz’s weeping pine has thick bark and long hanging needles in bundles of three. The needles grow from 8-12 inches long. A fully-grown tree of this species grows to heights of around 65 feet and takes on a rounded shape.

Luz Maria Pine

Close up of a single cone-shaped seed pod that has a scaly texture and a woody structure. The scales are bright green with a gray center, closed up tight. The cone grows from a thin gray branch that stems from a slightly thicker branch. Several medium-length needle-like leaves surround the cone, growing from the branches. The background is the rest of the coniferous tree growing in bright sunshine.
Luz Maria pine prefers the subtropical climate of Mexico and has gray bark, thick branches, and straight green needles.
common-name common name Luz Maria Pine, Pino Trompillo de Tres Hojas
botanical-name botanical name Pinus luzmariae
water-needs water needs Low
height height 60-130 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 8

The Pinus luzmariae grows in the subtropical climate of Mexico and Honduras. Otherwise known as the Luz Maria pine, this species’ population is abundant but endures a slow decline because of difficult pollination months, fire, and illegal logging.

The Luz Maria pine has gray bark, thick branches, and straight needles that begin to droop after two to three years and form in bundles of three. This pine species has spread out upward-sloping branches that take on a rounded triangular shape.

Maritime Pine

Close up of two cone-shaped seed pods that has a scaly texture and a woody structure. The scales are brown and one of the cones is slightly open up to reveal a brown interior. the cone to the left is closed up tight, with a raised center coming from each scale. The cones grow from a thin, slightly textured, red-brown branch. Several long yellow-green needle-like leaves surround the cones, growing from the textured branches. The blurred background is the rest of the tree. The day is full of sunshine.
The Maritime pine is loved for its upturned branches and cone-shaped appearance in landscaping.
common-name common name Maritime Pine, Cluster Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus pinaster
water-needs water needs Low
height height 80-100 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 7-8

Pinus pinaster has thick red-brown bark, yellow-green needles, and upward-curving branches. When young, this species takes on an egg-like shape and then spreads into a crown-like body. At its mature age, the tree can reach heights of 100 feet, with the branches beginning to extend out near the upper third of the trunk.

Native to France, Spain, and Portugal, the Pinus pinaster is an essential resource for these countries’ timber access. The Landes Forest in France is home to Europe’s most extensive human-planted forest of these trees.

The Maritime pine is also a popular decoration for urban areas with warmer temperatures.

Mason Pine

Close up of a yellow cone-shaped cluster holding tree pollen growing on the tip of a thin, textured brown tree branch. Pale green, long needle-like leaves grow around on the branches. Several thin branches and needles are in the blurred background.
Mason pine has a unique grey-orange bark and can grow up to 150 feet.
common-name common name Mason Pine, Horsetail Pine, Chinese Red Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus massoniana
water-needs water needs Low
height height 60-150 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 6-9

Pinus massoniana has pale green needles, thick bark, and cones that grow in clusters of two. This species reaches heights of 60 to 150 feet when fully grown.

Otherwise known as the Chinese red pine or Mason pine, the Massoniana pine tree is native to Southeast provinces in China. This tree requires many hours of sun and humid climates.

The heartwood and sapwood are suitable for construction and paper. Many people also harvest them for their resin. In addition, the tree is an essential resource for southern China natives to replace areas where trees were once abundant.

Maximino’s Pine

Upward and slightly zoomed-in view of the uppermost branches of tall trees against a clear blue sky. There are several thin gray-brown branches that curve upward with lots of drooping leaves growing that are green and very long and thin, like needles.
Some distinctive features of Maximino’s pine are the thin, upward-curving branches and thin, wispy needles.
common-name common name Maximino’s Pine, Pino Candelillo
botanical-name botanical name Pinus maximinoi
water-needs water needs Low
height height 65-100 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 9-10

The Pinus maximinoi grows in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and northwest Nicaragua, resting on mountains, forests, and woodlands. This species, commonly referred to as Maximino’s pine, has long, flexible, slightly downward-leaning branches. Its bark is gray-brown with thin, drooping needles that come in groupings of five.

A fully matured Maximino’s pine grows to 65 to 100 feet, with a vertical trunk and various branches that curve at the ends. This species exists at elevations of 3,000 to 6,00 feet with fluffy-like needles that make this a unique species.

Image Credit: Granjagalatas522CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (Image use allowed with attribution)

Mexican Mountain Pine

Close up of a tree branch with several dark brown cone shaped seed pods that have a scaly texture and woody structure growing from several thin textured gray branches. The branches are covered in short needle-like green leaves. Some of the needles have browned. The background is the gray sky.
Mexican mountain pine usually has straight dark green needles in groups of six.
common-name common name Pino de México, Mexican Mountain Pine, Hartweg’s Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus hartwegii
water-needs water needs Low
height height 85-100 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 6-8

The Pinus hartwegii grows in Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico at high elevations of 8,000 to 13,000 feet. Commonly referred to as the Mexican mountain pine, this species is a valuable resource for its resin.

The Mexican mountain pine has thick, rough bark, slender up-curving branches, and straight dark green needles in groupings of three to six. A fully matured tree of this species can reach heights of around 100 feet, and it appears with a flatter top.

Mexican Weeping Pine

Zoomed in view of a very large tree with thin flexible smooth green-brown branches. Green needle-like leaves grow from the branches that are so long they hang downward. The clear blue sky peeks through the branches in the background. A single brown cone-shaped seed pods grow at the tips of several branches.
Mexican weeping pine is so named because of its long, drooping needles, reminiscent of a weeping willow.
common-name common name Mexican Weeping Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus patula
water-needs water needs Low
height height 100-125 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 7-10

Pinus paluta is native to eastern Mexico and is an important species for producing timber because of its fast growth and long vertical trunk. Otherwise known as the Mexican weeping pine, this species can grow in tropical and subtropical regions depending on the altitude.

Many regions plant the Mexican weeping pine for commercial uses, but there are areas where it was introduced and is now an invasive species. The Mexican weeping pine has long, slender branches with long needles that droop down, almost appearing as a broom. Mature Mexican weeping pine trees grow to heights of 125 feet tall.

Mexican Yellow Pine

Zoomed in view of a tree with thin flexible smooth brown branches. Green needle-like leaves grow from the bottom part of the branches that are stiff and long, hanging downward. The clear blue sky peeks through the branches in the background. Other species of trees also grow in the forest. Several red-brown egg-shaped cones grow at the tips of several branches.
Mexican yellow pine has a long trunk, stiff needles, and ovoid cones.
common-name common name Mexican Yellow Pine, Pino de Colorado
botanical-name botanical name Pinus oocarpa
water-needs water needs Low
height height 90-125 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 10-12

The Pinus oocarpa is native to Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. Like many other pine tree species native to Mexico, this plant has similar features as other Mexican native pine species, as it was previously referred to as the same species as the Pinus tecunumanii.

The Pinus oocarpa, or the Mexican yellow pine, has a long trunk, thick and stiff needles, and egg-shaped cones. A fully matured Mexican yellow pine reaches heights of 125 feet and appears as a dome shape.

Michoacán Pine

Close up of a several small thin branches that curve slightly upward covered in very thin and long green leaves that are like needles. Other trees of similar species grow in a forest in the background. The sun shines on the branches.
The Michoacán pine grows in the mountainous regions of Guatemala and has dark brown bark and long needles.
common-name common name Michoacán Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus devoniana
water-needs water needs Low
height height 65-100 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 9-10

Pinus devoniana is native to the warmer climates of cities in southern Mexico and the southern Highlands of Guatemala. Better known as the Michoacán pine, this species has thick shaggy branches, dark brown bark, and long needles that come in clusters of five.

The Michoacán pine is a beautiful, unique subtropical pine that grows at altitudes between 3,000 and 7,500 feet. A mature tree of this species can reach heights between 65 and 100 feet.

Monterey Pine

Zoomed in view of a tree with almost hidden green-brown branches from the lush foliage. Green needle-like leaves grow around each branch, in clusters of three. The clear blue sky peeks through the branches in the background. Other species of trees also grow in the forest. Several red-brown egg-shaped cones grow at the tips of several branches. The day is bright and sunny.
Monterey pine is known for its thick twisted trunk and strong branches.
common-name common name Monterey Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus radiata
water-needs water needs Low
height height 50-115 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 7-10

Pinus radiata is a variation of the Monterey species that grows in the U.S. state of California, specifically in San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and Monterey counties. Commonly referred to as the Monterey pine, this species aids in erosion control, with its only commercial use being fuelwood.

The Monterey pine has a long vertical trunk, with needles growing in clusters of three. This species grows to heights of 50 to 115 feet. This species’ presence expands outside California in New Zealand, Australia, Chile, South Africa, and southwest Europe.

Unfortunately, Pinus radiata var. radiata is on the ICUN Red List of Threatened Species as an endangered species.

Montezuma Pine

Close up of a several small thin dark branches that curve slightly upward covered in very thin and long green leaves that are like needles. At the tips of each branch is a long pale yellow green cone. The rest of the tree grows in the blurred background, with the blue sky peeping through the branches. The sun shines on the tree brightly.
Montezuma pine tends towards a rounded triangular shape as it grows.
common-name common name Montezuma Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus montezumae
water-needs water needs Low
height height 65-130 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 8-11

The Pinus montezumae is native to the central mountains expanding from Mexico to Guatemala. Commonly referred to as the Montezuma pine, this is a larger species that grows to heights of around 65 to 115 feet and occasionally as tall as 130 feet.

The Montezuma pine has thick, dark gray-brown bark, with needles varying from wide and upright to thin and sagging. Its cones vary, as well, from egg-shaped to an elongated egg-shape or cone-shape. The overall form of the tree takes on a rounded triangular shape.

Individual branches with thin, sagging needles appear almost fluffy and fan-like. This pine tree species can grow in the U.S. state of California but wouldn’t survive in other climates.

Mugo Pine

Close up of a several small thin dark branches that curve slightly upward covered in very thin and short green leaves that are like needles. At the tips of each branch is a thin light reddish-brown cone. The rest of the tree grows in the blurred background, with the sun shining on the tree.
Mugo pine is a dwarf pine known for its sturdy branches.
common-name common name Bog Pine, Creeping Pine, Mountain Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus mugo
water-needs water needs Low
height height 5-20 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 2-7

The Pinus mugo is a slow-growing pine that is smaller in stature than many other species and grows in the shape of a shrub. The Mugo pine’s height comes as a large shrub, more than 8 feet, medium shrub, between 5 to 8 feet, and compact, between 10 to 15 feet.

This species is native to the Northern Eurasia region and is an adequate pine to protect and aid in controlling erosion and dune stabilization, with the compact-sized Mugo suitable for windbreaks.

In Scandinavia, Finland, and the Baltic States, the tree was once used for dune stabilization, but now it’s often used for decorative reasons like landscaping.

Pitch Pine

Close-up of a reddish brown cone that is closed up tight, with a wooden structure and pointed scales. Surrounding the cone are very thin and long bright green needles.
Although pitch pine looks shabby, it is used as a specimen tree in Canada and the eastern United States.
common-name common name Pitch Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus rigida
water-needs water needs Low
height height 80-100 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-7

The Pinus rigida is native to the furthest northeastern U.S. states and parts of Canada. Commonly called the pitch pine, this evergreen species has red-brown scaly-ridged bark and pale yellow-green needles grouped in bundles of three to five.

A fully matured pitch pine attains heights of around 100 feet and forms into an irregular shape with possibilities of some branches growing horizontally, others straight up, and others slightly descending.

The pitch pine’s crooked trunk makes it a poorer tree for wood harvesting, but it takes its common name from its pitch or sap, traditionally used as a sealant in shipbuilding. Lastly, the pitch pine is the dominant Pinaceae species on Mount Everett in Massachusetts.

Pond Pine

Close-up of a thin gray tree branch that hangs downward with several thinner branches stemming from the main branch with long thin green needles growing from the ends. A single cone hangs off of the central branch that is gray and opened up revealing a dark brown center.
Pond pine is a very interesting species of pine because its seed cones will open only after they are burned in a fire.
common-name common name Pond Pine, Marsh Pine, Pocosin Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus serotina
water-needs water needs Low
height height 30-50 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-7

Pinus serotina is native to the U.S. states of New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Commonly referred to as the Pond Pine, this species reached England in the 18th century and still exists, but there are very few.

The Pond pine has red-brown bark, ascending branches with adequate separation on its trunk, and symmetrical oval-shaped cones. Pond pine’s scientific name, serotina, means “late” in Latin and references the cones’ delayed regeneration.

The cones can remain closed for three years and typically open after a fire, making them a uniquely resilient pine tree species.

Praetermissa Pine

Close up of two light brown cones that have a woody structure and scaly texture, each scale has a bit of a point that turns dark brown in the center. The cones grow from a textured gray brown branch that has other thinner branches stemming from it. Clusters of long, green, needle like leaves grow from the ends of these stems. The background is blurry outdoors.
The cones of the praetermissa pine are onion-shaped and light brown.
common-name common name McVaugh’s Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus praetermissa
water-needs water needs Low
height height 40-50 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 9

Pinus praetermissa is a close relative of the Pinus oocarpa (Mexican yellow pine) but was originally thought to be a variation of the oocarpa. Praetermissa pine is native to the Durango, Jalisco, Nayarit, and Sinaloa regions of Mexico.

The species has slender branches, longer needles, and immature cones that appear the same as the Mexican yellow pine but don’t cluster around the base like the oocarpa. Since this species is indistinguishable from its relative, it’s suspected that it’s often mistaken for a Mexican yellow pine, which is extensively logged.

Image Credit: pinidaeCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. (Image use allowed with attribution)

Red Pine

Close up of a single brown cone that is slightly opened up revealing a dark brown interior. The cone grows on a textured brown thin branch along with several long, thin green needle-like leaves. A bright blue sky peaks through the needles.
Red pine is a pine tree with prominent red-brown scaly bark and a distinct resin smell.
common-name common name Red Pine, Norway Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus resinosa
water-needs water needs Low
height height 75-200 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-6

Pinus resinosa is a tall tree that gets its nickname, red pine, from its straight, beautiful, red-colored trunk. This species has yellow-green twisted needles and can grow up to 200 feet tall, with its average height being 75 feet.

The red pine is native to Eastern North America. It is the dominant pine tree species in Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Wisconsin, Ontario, and other parts of the U.S. and Canada.

This species grows at elevations between 700 to 1,400 feet but is present in higher elevations in West Virginia at 4,000 feet. While the Pinus resinosa is abundant and nothing close to being a threatened species, there is a continual decline of this tree in red pine forests.

Its other commonly referred to name, the Norway pine, represents Minnesota’s state tree.

Sand Pine

Close up of a single gray cone that has a woody structure and scaly texture that is slightly opened up to reveal a dark brown interior. The cone grows from a slightly textured gray brown branch that has other thinner branches stemming from it. Clusters of long, green, needle like leaves grow from the ends of these stems. The background is a blurry outdoor forest.
Sand pine grows in Alabama, Florida, and other southern states of the USA. Its cones only open after being scorched by fire.
common-name common name Sand Pine, Florida Spruce Pine, Alabama Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus clausa
water-needs water needs Low
height height 50-66 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 9-10

The Pinus clausa grows in the southeastern U.S. states of Florida and southern Alabama. Two variations of the clausa pine are distinct based on their cones. Those two variations are the Ocala and the immuginata varieties, with Ocala present in the Florida Peninsula and immuginata, or the Choctawhatchee, residing in northwestern Florida.

Otherwise known as the sand pine, this species has gray, brown bark, spread-out branches that slope upwards, and dark green needles that come in pairs. The sand pine grows either straight or leaning and reaches heights of 66 feet.

Some uses of sand pine are Christmas trees and timber. Unfortunately, these trees encounter bark beetles and sand pine sawflies that will attack and, ultimately, damage them.

Scots Pine

Zoomed in view of a tree with dark brown branches. Green needle-like leaves grow at the ends of each branch in clusters. The clear blue sky peeks through the branches in the background. Other trees also grow in the forest. Several yellow, long egg-shaped cones holding pollen grow at the tips of several branches. The day is bright and sunny.
Scots pine is a fast-growing pine native to Europe and Asia. It is also grown as a Christmas tree.
common-name common name Scots Pine, Scotch Pine, Baltic Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus sylvestris
water-needs water needs Low
height height 30-60 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-7

Pinus sylvestris is native to Scotland, Scandinavia, northern Europe, and north Asia, but its presence is expansive. This species exists in Canada and the United States, with most of them in the U.S. being a variation of the Pinus sylvestris.

The Pinus sylvestris, commonly called the Scots pine, has thin bark and short, dark-green needles around every branch. The branches extend out and curve up from the trunk.

Compared to the red pine, the Scots pine is weaker as it has more branches, making it more prone to wind damage. In addition, the Scots pine also accounts for 30% of trees planted for the sole purpose of being a Christmas tree.

Shortleaf Pine

Close-up of a single thin tree branch in focus with dark brown bark covered in long thin straight needle-like leaves that grow upward and outward. The end of the branch has a cluster of oblong cones that are yellow with slightly red spots. Another branch hangs downward with a similar cluster of yellow cones. In the blurred background, there is a forest. The day is sunny and bright.
Shortleaf pine is a variety of yellow pine, similar to the longleaf but with shorter, needle-like leaves.
common-name common name Shortleaf Pine, Shortleaf Yellow Pine, Southern Yellow Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus echinata Mill
water-needs water needs Low
height height 80-100 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 6-8

The Pinus enchinata Mill is a widespread tree in the Southeast U.S., growing in New York, Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas.

This species, better known as the shortleaf pine, has dark bark that sheds with age, turning red-brown. This pine tree is a medium-sized tree, reaching heights of around 100 feet.

The shortleaf pine is an important species for commercial softwood harvesting.

Slash Pine

Close-up and upward view of the ends of very thin and highly textured reddish brown tree branches with clusters of long thin green needle like leaves growing on the ends. Two reddish brown cones that are slightly opened up grow on two of the branches. The background is a clear blue sky.
Slash pine is a fast-growing tree with glossy dark green needles shaped like an ovoid pyramid.
common-name common name Slash Pine, Yellow Slash Pine, Swamp Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus elliottii Englem
water-needs water needs Low
height height 55-100 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 10-12

Pinus elliottii Englem is native to the U.S. costal States of South Carolina, Florida, and Louisiana. Commonly referred to as the slash pine, this species also exists in eastern Texas, where it was planted and now occurs naturally.

The slash pine is a giant pine tree growing to heights between 60 and 100 feet. When matured, the lower branches of this species fall off, creating an asymmetrical rounded shape. However, in Florida, where tropical storms are common, the slash pine grows to lower heights of around 55 feet and has longer needles and smaller cones.

Since this species is fast-growing, consists of heavy wood, and carries a high resin supply, it’s a practical resource for construction.

Spruce Pine

Close-up  and upward view of a thin brown tree branch that curves upward with medium-length thin green needles growing around the branch. A single cone hangs off of the central branch that is gray and opened up revealing a dark brown center. Another cone is partially showing to the bottom right. A sunny, blue sky peaks through in the background.
Spruce pine prefers a hot and humid climate.
common-name common name Spruce Pine, Cedar Pine, Walter Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus glabra
water-needs water needs Low
height height 80-125 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 7-9

Pinus glabra grows across the southern U.S. states of South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Often referred to as the spruce pine, this species has smooth gray bark, spread-out branches that ascend, and long needles that come in bundles of two.

Fully grown at 60 to 75 years, the spruce pine reaches a maximum height of 125 feet in hot and humid climates. The presence of this species is scattered and limited, making it an ill-suited tree for commercial harvesting but an adequate resource for local industries.

Sumatran Pine

Close up of three yellow cone-shaped clusters holding tree pollen growing on the tips of thin, textured gray tree branches. Green, long needle-like leaves grow on the branches. Several thin branches and needles are in the blurred background.
In northern Vietnam, the Sumatran pine is planted on barren hills to protect against erosion and other natural disasters.
common-name common name Sumatran Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus merkusii
water-needs water needs Low
height height 80-150 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 10-12

Pinus merkusii has thin bark at higher altitudes but thick bark at higher elevations where fires are prevalent. This pine species is native to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia. 

Pinus merkusii gets its name, Sumatran pine, from being the pine grown the furthest south of the equator, in the Barisan Mountains of South Sumatra, Indonesia.

In northern Vietnam, the Sumatran pine is planted on barren hills to protect against erosion and other natural disasters. The first five years of a Sumatran pine entail slow growth, but after it becomes established, it grows faster and produces 6.5 to 9 pounds of resin. The resin from the Sumatran pine is a valuable resource, given that it creates an abundance each year.

Table Mountain Pine

Close-up of a cluster of about seven gray cones with woody structure slightly opened up to reveal where seeds once were, in a dark interior. The cluster of cones grow from a highly textured gray thin tree branch that has clusters of short green needle like leaves growing on the ends of smaller branches that grow from the main one.
Table Mountain pine is slow-growing, usually leaning to one side due to irregularly shaped branches.
common-name common name Table Mountain Pine, Hickory Pine, Mountain Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus pungens
water-needs water needs Low
height height 40-65 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 5-7

The Pinus pungens, commonly called the Table Mountain pine, is a native species to the Appalachian Mountains. This species is slow-growing and smaller than most pine trees, with heights above 66 feet being rare.

The Table Mountain pine typically leans to one side and consists of irregular-shaped branches spread out along the trunk. This pine species grows at higher elevations between 1,640 feet and 4,430 feet.

Taiwan Red Pine

Close up of a reddish-orange cone-shaped cluster holding tree pollen growing on the tip of a thin, textured dark brown tree branch. This cluster is in focus. Several other branches similar to this grow all around. Green, long needle-like leaves grow on the ends of each the branches.
Taiwan red pine is a valuable timber resource in Taiwan.
common-name common name Taiwan Red Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus taiwanensis
water-needs water needs Low
height height 100-165 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 8

The Pinus taiwanensis is native to Eastern Asia, specifically in Taiwan. In Taiwan, it’s a valuable resource for timber. The Pinus taiwanensis, commonly referred to as the Taiwan red pine, is a larger tree with a straight trunk that grows to heights of around 114 feet.

The Taiwan red pine grows at elevations of 750 to 3,500 meters and exists primarily inland. Its needles begin growing near the ends of the branches, making it appear uniformly spaced or uncrowded.

Tenasserim Pine

Close-up of the ends of two thin highly textured dark brown tree branches that have very long, thin, needle-like green leaves growing from the ends, spray out. The background is blurred and green with a bit of bright sky to the right.
Tenasserim pine grows up to 135 feet tall and has upward curved branches with grey-brown bark.
common-name common name Tenasserim Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus latteri
water-needs water needs Low
height height 100-135 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 9-10

The Pinus latteri gets its name, Tenasserim pine, from its initial presence in the Tenasserim Mountains of Myanmar. However, its scientific name came from Captain T. Latter, an Englishman. It is a close relative of the Sumatran Pine Tree, but the Tenasserim Pine has longer, thicker needles and larger pine cones.

This species reaches heights of 100 to 135 feet, with gray-brown bark and upward-curving branches. In its native climate, the Pinus latteri grows near sea level and exists around the outer parts of the East Asian islands.

Torrey Pine

Large tree with a central main trunk that has a large branch coming from the left, but then splits at the top into two other large branches. Several thin branches keep stemming out from the main ones. This creates sort of a crown that is open and rounded where lots of very thin and long needle like leaves grow from the ends of each thin branch in bundles. The tree grows in a dry place with a blue sky behind it.
Torrey pine is a very rare species of pine found exclusively in southern California.
common-name common name Torrey Pine, Santa Rosa Island Torrey Pine, Del Mar Pine, Soledad Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus torreyana
water-needs water needs Low
height height 25-60 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 8-9

The Pinus torreyana is native to California’s coastal regions, specifically in Del Mar and Santa Rosa Island. Commonly referred to as the Torrey pine, this species is the rarest pine species in North America, with about 7,000 of them existing in the Soledad Valley and about 2,000 on Santa Rosa Island.

The Torrey Pine has red-brown, purple-red bark, upward-sloping branches, and straight or curved dark green needles in clusters of five needles per cluster. A fully matured Torrey Pine grows to 25 to 60 feet, with its average height typically resting near 40 feet.

This species is vulnerable to threats of air pollution and bark beetles, with its primary threat being its slow regeneration process which has affected this species’ survival in the past.

Turkish Pine

Close-up and upward view of the a thin textured brown tree branch with thinner branches growing along it, with clusters of long thin green needle like leaves growing on the ends of each thin branch. One brown cone is in focus in the center, and another is out of focus and blurred toward the bottom. Each are very slightly opened up. The blurred background is a clear blue sky and the rest of the tree.
Turkish pine is loved for being very resistant to heat and drought. It also has beautiful brown-red bark with deep fissures.
common-name common name Turkish Pine, Calabrian Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus brutia
water-needs water needs Low
height height 90-115 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 7-11

Pinus brutia has long, stiff needles with branches that spread irregularly from its thinner trunk. During the First World War battle, Australians took brutia’s pinecones from the Gallipoli Peninsula back home to replant. This is also how it received its nickname, the Turkish pine.

The Turkish pine thrives in the semi-arid humidity of the Mediterranean climate. This pine tree can withstand hardy conditions of drought saltwater and may regenerate by itself after a fire.

Since it proliferates, it’s a suitable tree for hydrocarbon farming and timber. In addition, some use the resin from the brutia for wines and medicinal remedies. Pine trees contain turpentine oil, traditionally used in internal and external medicine.

Virginia Pine

Close-up of a brown cone with a woody structure that is opened up to reveal dark brown interior where our seats are held. The con grows from a thin light brown tree branch that is covered in thin, green, needle like leaves. Some of the needles have turned yellow. More thin branches and needles grow in the blurred background.
Virginia pine has beautiful angular cones and young shoots that bloom pink or golden yellow, depending on the variety.
common-name common name Virginia Pine, Scrub Pine, Jersey Pine, Spruce Pine, Possum Pine
botanical-name botanical name Pinus virginiana
water-needs water needs Low
height height 50-75 feet
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-7

Last but not least: the Pinus virginiana. Pinus virginiana is native to the U.S. states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi and exists through human planting in Oklahoma. Commonly referred to as the Virginia pine, this species was once considered a weed plant or forest weed but is now an important species commercially.

The Virginia pine has horizontal branches, a short trunk, and needles in pairs. A fully matured Virginia pine reaches 50 to 75 feet tall and rarely lives past 150 years.

As a resource, this species provides an adequate supply of pulpwood and can aid in rehabilitating mine spoils and other disrupted sites.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, with these 61 different types of pine trees, you’ve seen how truly amazing they are. Each variation of this diverse species has distinct characteristics and personalities, making each uniquely special to its native land.

The various types of pine trees and their uses are something to appreciate. From roasted pine nuts to a Christmas tree or just something to provide shade, there are many reasons to respect and help these trees thrive!

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