Increasingly fissured with age. The leaves ("needles") are thinner and more flexible in western populations. Pinus nigra is moderately fast-growing, at about 30–70 centimeters (12–28 inches) per year. It usually has a rounded conic form that becomes irregular with age. The tree can be long-lived, with some trees over 500 years old. It needs full sun to grow well, is intolerant of shade, and is resistant to snow and ice damage. The lumber is used for rough carpentry and furniture. In the US and Canada, the European black pine is planted as a street tree and as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks. Its value as a street tree is largely due to its resistance to salt spray and various industrial pollutants, and its intermediate drought tolerance. In the UK, the tree is planted as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. It is planted with great success as far north as Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.