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Jack Pine Interpretation Sign Coast Guard Trail ~ Ludington, Michigan

Elderly Jack Pine on their last Legs

This stand of scraggly pines is facing its end as the forest matures in front of you. This "pioneer" tree dominates the nutrient-poor open dunes but finds itself crowded out by other species, as time improves the soil & growing conditions.

 

Jack pine needles are less than two inches long, twisted & in spreading bundles of two. Jack pine also can be identified by its irregular scaly ridged bank.

 

The closed cones open during the intense heat of fire. Burned, sterile soil limits most plants but is ideal for germinating Jack pine seeds. Jack pine is commonly clear cut for paper pulp.

 

*Jack Pine

Pinus Banksiana

 

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Uploaded on January 11, 2025
Taken on July 18, 2024