The Pinus Nigra is commonly known as the Austrian Pine, Corsican Pine, Crimean Pine, European Black Pine as well as Pyrenees Pine.
The currently accepted scientific name of European black pine is Pinus nigra Arnold . The species is genetically diverse. Numerous subspecies, varieties, and forms have been named; there is much controversy as to the correct interpretation of these infrataxa . In general, there are three main groups of European black pine races recognized: (1) the western group from around Austria, France, and Spain (Austrian and Pyrenees pines), (2) the central group (Corsican pine) from Corsica, Italy, and Sicily, and (3) the eastern group (Crimean pine) from the Balkans and the Crimea . Some natural hybrids with other European pines have been reported. Artificial hybrids have also been created .European black pine is native to Europe and Asia. Its range there extends from Spain and Morocco east to eastern Turkey, south to Cypress, and north to northeastern Austria and the Crimea, Russia. In the United States European black pine widely planted in northern states in New England, around the Great Lakes, and in the Northwest. It has naturalized in New England and the Great Lakes States .In Europe trees usually associated with European black pine include Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris), Swiss mountain pine (P. mugo), Aleppo pine (P. halepinsis), Italian stone pine (P. pinea), and Heldreich pine (P. heldreichii). In the United States where it has become naturalized, European black pine may be developing natural associations .Some of the information provided here is attributed to:Sullivan, Janet. 1993. Pinus nigra. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). , available at the USDA Fire Effects Information System (FEIS) website