Jack pine has gained recognition as the most widely distributed pine species in Canada’s Boreal Forest Region. The species is commonly found on sandy and
shallow soils in northern and eastern regions of Alberta. Jack pine typically can be sited in even-aged, fire origin stands with black spruce. Other companions to jack pine in mixed stands include white spruce, balsam fir, lodgepole
pine, trembling aspen, balsam aspen, and white birch. Traveling northwest through Alberta, jack pine is replaced by lodgepole pine.
The national inventory for jack pine also includes both lodgepole pine and shore pine. Combined, the pine species account for just over 4 billion m3 or 20% of Canada’s total coniferous growing stock. In Alberta, pine accounts for nearly 616 million m3 or 41% of the provincial coniferous growing stock (26% of the province’s combined coniferous and deciduous growing stock).
Pines in Canada can be classified into two groups; soft pines and hard pines. Both lodgepole pine and jack pine are hard pines. They have prominent latewood,
therefore the wood is moderately hard and heavy.
The fact sheet describes visual, physical and working properties for this species for the wood-consuming value added sector.