The jack pine (Pinus banksiana) is a fire-dependent tree native to North America, with a significant presence in Michigan’s northern regions. Historically, it has been valued for its use in pulpwood, lumber, and fuel, while Indigenous peoples utilized it for medicinal purposes and tool-making. One of the tree’s unique traits is its reliance on fire for regeneration; its cones only open when exposed to intense heat, releasing seeds after wildfires clear competing vegetation.

The jack pine plays a crucial role in the survival of the Kirtland's warbler, an endangered bird that nests exclusively in young jack pine forests. Conservation efforts, including controlled burns and replanting, help maintain the warbler’s habitat. In landscaping, jack pines are sometimes chosen for natural or rustic settings due to their rugged aesthetic, though their irregular shape and fire dependency limit their ornamental use in more formal gardens.