Field Guide

The White Pine (Pinus strobus) is a large evergreen tree native to eastern North America. It is known for its soft, delicate needles and tall stature.

Size and Shape:

• White Pines are tall, majestic trees that can reach heights of 80 to 100 feet or even more when fully-mature.

• They have a straight trunk that often remains branchless for a significant portion of their height.

• The overall shape of the tree is conical, with horizontal branches that gradually become more upward-facing as the tree matures.

Needles:

• White Pine needles are long and slender, measuring around 2.5 to 5 inches in length.

• They are arranged in bundles or fascicles, typically consisting of five needles per bundle.

• The needles are soft, flexible, and bluish-green in color, giving the tree a feathery appearance.

Cones:

• They produce cylindrical cones that are relatively long, measuring around 4 to 8 inches in length.

• The cones have a conical shape and are usually reddish-brown when mature.

• Unlike some other pine species, the cones of White Pines have flexible scales and are often slightly curved.

Bark:

• The bark of young White Pines is typically smooth and silver-gray in color.

• As the tree ages, the bark becomes darker, developing shallow furrows and ridges.

Origin:

• White Pines are native to eastern North America and can be found in various regions across the continent.

• They are often found in mixed forests, growing alongside other tree species like hardwoods and other conifers.