Editing Pinus rigida (section)

==Description==
The pitch pine is irregular in shape, but grows to {{convert|6|-|30|m|ft}}). Branches are usually twisted, and it does a poor job at self-pruning. The needles are in [[fascicle (botany)|fascicles]] (bundles) of three, about {{convert|6|-|13|cm|abbr=off|frac=4}} in length, and are stout (over {{convert|1|mm|2|disp=or|frac=16}} broad) and often slightly twisted. The cones are {{cvt|4|-|7|cm|frac=4}} long and oval, with prickles on the scales. Trunks are usually straight with a slight curve, covered in large, thick, irregular plates of bark. Pitch pine has an exceptionally high regenerative ability; if the main trunk is cut or damaged by fire, it can re-sprout using [[epicormic shoot]]s. This is one of its many adaptations to fire, which also include a thick bark to protect the sensitive [[Cork cambium|cambium layer]] from heat. Burnt pitch pines often form stunted, twisted trees with multiple trunks as a result of the resprouting. This characteristic makes it a popular species for [[bonsai]].{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}

Pitch pine is rapid-growing when young, gaining around one foot of height per year under optimal conditions, until growth slows at 50–60 years. By 90 years of age, the amount of annual height gain is minimal. Open-growth trees begin bearing cones in as little as three years, with shade-inhabiting pines taking a few years longer. Cones take two years to mature. Seed dispersal occurs over the fall and winter, and trees cannot self-pollinate. The lifespan of a pitch pine is about 200 years or longer.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}
[[File:Pitch Pine as Bonsai.jpg|thumb|Pitch Pine being trained as [[bonsai]]. This specimen was collected in the wild.]]