Unique Features: The Austrian or European Black pines, are large trees that grow rapidly into a broad conical shape becoming more flat topped and even broader over time. When younger the Austrian and Ponderosa pines look quite similar.  The lower branches of Austrian pines tend stay on the tree  though they are often seen pruned with a low canopy.  Ponderosa pines drop their lower branches with age and develop a more open branching pattern.  The long, up to 3”, dark green needles are held in bundles of 2. The needles live and persist on the tree for 3 to 7 years.  Pines drop their oldest needles, least efficient at photosynthesizing, every autumn.  It is best to just consider the needles a natural mulch and let them lay.