Jack Pine

Jack Pine bough
Courtesy of Laura Gasaway

Check out all of the jack pine, their appearance is rather scraggly. They like sandy, sterile soil and as you can tell this is a perfect habitat for them. Have you ever noticed that their lower branches are typically dead looking, while the top of the tree looks like it is striving? This is because jack pine need full sunlight so the lower branches are shaded out and dead. Many insects quite enjoy nibbling on the pine, even whitetail bucks like to use jack pine as an antler rub due to the aromatic scent the bark releases. Pay attention, you will spot jack pine throughout the drive.