Pine, Austrian (PINUS NIGRA) - 'OREGON GREEN'
Deep, glossy, rich green needles densely spaced and curved against the branches make 'Oregon Green' an outstanding specimen. It's unique, open form adds strength to the landscape while also creating a sense of home with it's fine-textured needles and distinctive pyramidal shape. Bright white clusters of 'candles' of new growth that emerge in the spring stand out against the attractive green needles. This small to medium sized evergreen tree can be used as a stand alone specimen, privacy screen, windbreak, or to add to a wooded area. It is loved by a variety of birds that nest in its dense branches.
Maturing to 10-12' tall and 8-10' wide, the size of 'Oregon Green' is perfect for more limited areas and compact yards. Listed as a zone 4-8 cultivar, this is an excellent, cold hardy evergreen. Austrian Pines are listed as a selection in the University of Wyoming "Conservation Trees & Shrubs For Wyoming" guide. This variety has a moderately slow growth rate, but the virtues of this tree make it worth the wait. It requires full sun exposure and water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. During the first few growing seasons while trying to establish, be sure to water deeply and regularly to encourage an extensive root system. After that, reduce frequency as it is able to tolerate an occasional, moderate drought. Fertilize in early spring. Highly adaptable to a wide range of soils, except for soggy ones. However, prefers deep, average, well-drained, sandy or gravelly loams.