An intolerant, generally small tree able to survive on dry, sterile sites, often with epicormic branches, found in New England, the mid-Atlantic coastal plain, and inland to the southern Appalachians. Needles are generally 3 per fascicle, about 4" long, stiff and often twisted at nearly right angles to the twig. Cones are about 2", ovoid, with an umbo armed with a rigid spine; opens at maturity, or serotinous; usually persisting for many years.