Mark A. Miller
Family
Pinaceae
Botanical Name
Pinus strobus
Plant Common Name
White Pine
General Description
Valued as a landscape and lumber tree, white pine is a stately, fast-growing evergreen with supple green needles and dark grayish brown bark. It is distributed across the eastern half of North America, from Newfoundland to Georgia, and grows best in open, upland areas with well-drained soils. Mature specimens become very tall, have straight trunks and broad, pyramidal crowns.
The long, flexible needles come in fascicles (groups) of five. These are fully evergreen and shed every two to three years. Separate male and female cones are produced in spring. The candle-shaped male cones release copious amounts of airborne pollen which drifts to the large conical female cones. The female cones are olive-green and rubbery when young, brown and woody at maturity. Female cones release winged seeds their second autumn, falling from the tree shortly thereafter.
White pine grows best in full sun and well-drained sandy loam. It is moderately weak-wooded and can be damaged by heavy snow or ice. It rarely needs pruning but can be limbed up as needed. The serious fungal disease, white pine blister rust, causes branch and stem cankers and heavy die back, which can devastate trees. The disease is carried by currants (Ribes), so avoid planting them nearby. Seedlings and young trees are most susceptible.
White pine makes a good specimen tree for large landscapes. Numerous cultivars have been selected. Dwarf forms are suitable for smaller landscapes and gardens.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
7 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 7
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Sunset Zone
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6
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Plant Type
Needled or Scaled Evergreen
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
50'-80' / 15.2m - 24.4m
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Width
20'-40' / 6.1m - 12.2m
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Native To
North America, Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, North-Central United States, Canada
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Pyramidal
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
None
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Fruit Color
Brown, Sandy Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Blue Green
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Bark Color
Brown, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
Yes
