Pinus nigra 'OREGON GREEN'

Austrian (black) pine is a hardy tree which escaped Austria in early 20th century, and now can be found all around Europe, down to Turkey, and in North Africa. Hard to say if Mother Nature needed a stronger substitute for more tender species in the ever changing climate, or whether this one is simply invasive. In any case its more than a century old journey has proved its toughness and durability, no wonder that new varieties are being bred and selected. They generally offer a much shorter growth and different habit suitable for common-sized gardens.

Oregon Green is a very beautiful addition to the family of small to mid-sized pine trees. It was found as a seedling by Morris Van Meter in his nursery in Boring, Oregon, USA, in early 1990's. It is easily distinguished by its stiff habit with erect branches where needles are borne in such density and precision that makes you think it is not a natural creation but a computer drawing. They are rich green, glossy, stiff, slightly curved inwards, and do not fall off earlier than after some 3-5 years. That makes the tree look dense and green without bare branches. Some compare it to pinus aristata, others to araucaria araucana but there we have to close all our eyes.

Oregon Green pine grows at moderate growth rate, 30-40 cm per year with silver new shoots. Each plant has a different habit, yet always dense and handsome. It makes a perfect small specimen in a Japanese garden, or a large rockery, and a decent tree in a front yard or a small city garden.

Pines need full sun and well-drained soil that will not be too alkaline. No fertilizing required. Pruning is possible in late winter or late summer, never cut into branches which lack needles. You can shape the tree by removing or trimming "candles" - young new shoots before they develop proper-size needles. Austrian pine is commonly hardy to about -40°C (USDA zone 3) and this variety is supposed to withstand at least -34°C (USDA zone 4). It is also hardy for growing in a container where it will be prone to lose older needles sooner.

Last update 07-11-2018