Pinus nigra 'Green Tower' / Green Tower Austrian pine

Pinus nigra 'Green Tower' is an impressive, sturdy fastigiate selection of Austrian pine. Typical of the species, the needles are rich, dark green and arranged in bundles of two. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 8 feet (2.5 m) tall by 18 inches (45 cm) wide, an annual growth of 4 to 6 inches (20 - 30 cm).

'Green Tower' with age, forms a dark green pillar, making a powerful statement in the garden, as it forms a natural exclamation point to draw-in the viewer. Beyond that, it's narrowness means that it can take up a relatively small space, horizontally. This cultivar's branch structure also appears to be sturdier than other fastigiate pine selections and as such, will likely hold up better to snow and ice.

Martin Zimmer of Germany found the original 'Green Tower' as a seedling in the late 1990s. Later Horst zu Jeddeloh brought cuttings to America and propagated them from his nursery in Molalla, Oregon. It is now a rare plant in the trade.