Editing Pinus rigida (section)

==Uses==
Because it frequently grows multiple or crooked trunks, pitch pine is not a major timber tree, nor is it as fast-growing as other eastern American pines. However, it grows well on unfavorable sites. In the past, it was a major source of [[Pitch (resin)|pitch]] and timber for ship building, mine timbers, and railroad ties because the wood's high resin content preserves it from decay. As such, it has also been used for elaborate wood constructions, e. g. radio towers.

Pitch pine is currently used mainly for rough construction, pulp, crating, and fuel. However, due to its uneven growth, quantities of high quality can be difficult to obtain, and long lengths of pitch pine can be very costly.

Archaeology indicates that the [[Iroquois]], [[Shinnecock Indian Nation|Shinnecock]], and [[Cherokee]] all utilized pitch pine. The Iroquois used the pitch to treat rheumatism, burns, cuts, and boils. Pitch also worked as a laxative. A pitch pine poultice was used by both the Iroquois and the Shinnecock to open boils and to treat abscesses.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.treesforme.com|title=North American Native Trees|access-date=2017-05-01}}</ref> The Cherokee used pitch pine wood in canoe construction and for decorative carvings.

Pitch pine is known to cross with pond loblolly and shortleaf pines. One of those crosses is the pitlolly pine (pinus x rigitaeda), a natural hybrid between the loblolly pine and the pitch pine. This hybrid combines the tall size of the loblolly pine and the cold-[[Hardiness (plants)|hardiness]] of the pitch pine. This hybrid was used as substitute of loblolly pine and has been extensively planted in South Korea.{{Citation needed|date=November 2020}}