Austrian black pine - Pinus nigra nigra

The Austrian Pine, in Latin Pinus nigra nigra, is a subspecies of the European Black Pine. It forms a beautiful tree with a spreading habit when mature, suitable for large gardens and parks. It is a very cold-resistant tree, resistant to air pollution, and sea wind, capable of adapting to many types of soils. Developing a strong taproot, it is very drought-resistant once established. Its adaptability, majestic habit, and evergreen foliage make it a great choice for large spaces.

Pinus nigra, a species of the Black Pine, is a conifer that grows naturally in Europe, Asia Minor, and North Africa. In such a vast area, different subspecies adapted to their local conditions have developed. There are three main groups, the subspecies salzmanii in France, Spain, southern Italy, and North Africa, then laricio in the Mediterranean (Corsican and Calabrian Pine) and nigra from Austria to Crimea and Turkey.

Therefore, Pinus nigra subsp. nigra is a wild species that has developed great natural resistance, combined with great aesthetic value, making it particularly interesting for ornamental use. This large tree grows rapidly, first in a conical-pyramidal shape, then significantly widening with age to form a rounded canopy, with a slightly bare base. Its overall aesthetics are splendid, with its layered branching and beautiful dark green evergreen foliage. It can reach a height of 25m (82ft) with a spread of 15m (49.2ft) or more, making it suitable for parks and large gardens. However, it can also be trained and maintained in smaller dimensions as it tolerates pruning very well. An Austrian Pine shaped like a cloud is a major focal point in a garden.

This large conifer is a model of adaptability. It adjusts to almost all types of soil, including chalky or dry soils. Extremely cold-resistant, down to about -30°C (-22°F), its prominent taproot allows it to tolerate drought once established. It is a full-sun species that resists wind, including sea wind. As it also tolerates air pollution well. It is not surprising to find it in many urban parks, where its tall stature and aesthetic architecture make great views. This pine has needles arranged in pairs, forming a very dense dark green foliage. In June-July, it produces small yellow flowers, followed by relatively small cones (5 to 8cm) which are brown in colour, single or in pairs.

Its giant size and rapid growth do not make it a suitable tree for mass plantings. The Austrian Pine is more often planted as a specimen tree in a large lawn. However, it can be the backbone of a shade garden if you plant shade-tolerant shrubs under its branches. The Spindle Tree (Euonymus phellomanus) reaches a sufficient size not to be overshadowed by the stature of the Austrian Pine, and its pink fruiting and vibrant autumn colours will contrast with the dark mass of the conifer. The speckled foliage of the Golden King Aucuba will create a permanent contrast with this large conifer, as it is also evergreen.