jack pine, Pinus banksiana

Jack pine is adapted to areas of sand and rock. It can cover large areas where it is nearly the only tree. It's known for the behavior of its cones, and for the role it plays for the rare Kirtland's warbler. The cones only open to release seeds if exposed to fire. The trees are the nesting site for Kirtland's warbler. Kirtland's summer range was once mostly in Ohio. Because of habitat reduction, the birds moved to northern Michigan and ultimately became endangered. They require large stands of young jack pine for nesting. Such areas became rare because of fire contriol and deforestation. Harvesting of trees for pulp and replanting now offers new habitat, and Kirtland's has recovered and expanded its range into Wisconsin and Ontario. Kirtland's winters mostly in the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands. Jack pine grows in IL, IN, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, ND, NH, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, WV, AB, BC, LB, MB, NB, NS, NT, ON, PE, QC, and SK. Lenawee Co MI, 5/3/15. Pine family, Pinaceae.