Form: This is a medium to small pine reaching an average maximum height of 50-60 ft.

Needles:
             

Arrangement: 3 per fascicle

Length: 3-5" long; ;

Shape: twisted

Other: stout and stiff; yellow-green

 

Bark: The bark is deeply furrowed, dark green to yellow-brown, and platy when old.

Cones: It's sessile cones can vary in levels of serotiny and have very stiff scales- hence the name rigida

Distinguishing characteristics: It almost always has 3 needles per fascicle while shortleaf typically has some fascicles of 2 and some with 3. It also has stiffer needles than shortleaf and a more flattened base on the cone.

Range: It occurs in the Appalachians, it's foothills, and New England.

Silvics: Pitch pine is intolerant of shade and is found primarily on dry rocky slopes.

Ecological and cultural importance: It's fiber is used for pulpwood and turpentine production. It makes poor lumber.