It is native to eastern North America, primarily from central Maine south to Georgia and as far west as Kentucky.

It is found in environments which other species would find unsuitable for growth, such as acidic, sandy, and low-nutrient soils.

Trunks are usually straight with a slight curve, covered in large, thick, irregular plates of bark.

Pitch pine has an exceptionally high regenerative ability; if the main trunk is cut or damaged by fire, it can re-sprout using epicormic shoots.

This is one of its many adaptations to fire, which also include a thick bark to protect the sensitive cambium layer from heat.

Burnt pitch pines often form stunted, twisted trees with multiple trunks as a result of the resprouting.

This pine occupies a variety of habitats, from dry, acidic sandy uplands to swampy lowlands, and can survive in very poor conditions.

However, due to its uneven growth, quantities of high quality can be difficult to obtain, and large lengths of pitch pine can be very costly.

A pitch pine poultice was used by both the Iroquois and the Shinnecock to open boils and to treat abscesses.