Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

Eastern White Pine

(Pinus strobus)

Forest and Kim Starr

CC BY 2.0

Image By: Forest and Kim Starr

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Forest and Kim Starr | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Starr Environmental | Publisher: Flickr

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Pinus strobus, commonly known as Eastern White Pine, is an evergreen tree native to the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada, including the Great Lakes region and the Appalachian Mountains. It thrives in a variety of habitats, such as mixed coniferous-deciduous forests, open areas, and along waterways, where it often forms pure stands or grows alongside hardwood species. Eastern White Pine can reach heights of 50-80 feet (15-24 meters) with a spread of 20-40 feet (6-12 meters), and is characterized by its straight trunk, horizontal to ascending branches, and soft, flexible needles in bundles of five. The tree produces cylindrical cones and has a smooth, gray bark in its youth, which becomes deeply furrowed with age.

This species is valued for its fast growth, straight form, and the soft, feathery appearance of its foliage. It is used for timber, as well as for ornamental purposes in large spaces such as parks and estates. Eastern White Pine is also planted for windbreaks and screening due to its dense growth habit. It prefers full sun to part shade, medium amounts of water, and well-drained soils, but is adaptable to a range of soil conditions. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to white pine blister rust, and damage from white pine weevil or pine bark adelgids.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree
Height: 50-80 feet
Width: 20-40 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Mixed coniferous-deciduous forests, open areas, and riparian zones

Other Names

Common Names: Weymouth Pine, White Pine, Northern White Pine, Soft Pine, Borovice Vejmutovka, Weymouths-Fyr, Büschelkiefer, Strobe, Weymouths-Kiefer, Calocote

Scientific Names: , Pinus strobus, Pinus strobus f. brevifolia, Pinus strobus f. fastigiata, Pinus strobus f. glauca, Pinus strobus f. prostrata, Pinus strobus f. strobus, Pinus strobus f. umbraculifera, Pinus strobus var. brevifolia, Pinus strobus var. fastigiata

GBIF Accepted Name: Pinus strobus L.