Also very good lumber, for telephone poles. Bark is black and furrowed when older. Regenerates after fires, but prefers to establish under a light canopy. Also was a large tree of the lumber era, and used for ships masts in the 1600-1800's. Is the preferred tree for eagles to nest in.
Trees have a ratty appearance.
The cones open after fires. Pioneer after crown fires on dry sites. Shade intolerant pioneer of bog mats. Wood is used for railroad ties, because the wood is rot resistant.