Jack Pine

Pinus banksiana

Physical Characteristics

Pinus banksiana is an evergreen Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from January to February. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Northern N. America - Alaska to Northwest Territory, south to New York, Illinois and Minnesota.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Inner bark Seed Edible Uses: Condiment Drink Seed - raw or cooked[177]. Rich in oil with a slightly resinous flavour[K]. They are very small and fiddly to utilize, being only 2 - 3mm long[200]. Young cones - cooked[177]. Inner bark[257]. No more information is given, but the bark can usually be eaten raw or cooked. It can also be dried, then ground into a powder and used as a thickener in soups or can be mixed with cereal flours when making bread etc[K]. A refreshing drink is made from the leaves[159, 177]. A vanillin flavouring is obtained as a by-product of other resins that are released from the pulpwood[200].

Medicinal Uses

Antiseptic Diuretic Expectorant Poultice Rubefacient Vermifuge The turpentine obtained from the resin of all pine trees is antiseptic, diuretic, rubefacient and vermifuge[4]. It is a valuable remedy used internally in the treatment of kidney and bladder complaints and is used both internally and as a rub and steam bath in the treatment of rheumatic affections[4]. It is also very beneficial to the respiratory system and so is useful in treating diseases of the mucous membranes and respiratory complaints such as coughs, colds, influenza and TB[4]. Externally it is a very beneficial treatment for a variety of skin complaints, wounds, sores, burns, boils etc and is used in the form of liniment plasters, poultices, herbal steam baths and inhalers[4]. A poultice of the inner bark has been used in the treatment of deep cuts[257]. The leaves have been used in a herbal steam bath to clear congested lungs[257]. They have also been used as a fumigant to revive a comatose patient[257].

Known Hazards

The wood, sawdust and resins from various species of pine can cause dermatitis in sensitive people[222].