Pinus strobus 'Fastigiata' (Eastern White Pine)

Pinus strobus 'Fastigiata,' also called fastigiate white pine, is a cultivar of eastern white pine noted for its 'fastigiate' growth habit in which branch spread is very narrow and growth tends to be upward, parallel to the main trunk. Typically growing to 30-40' tall, though occasionally taller, Pinus strobus 'Fastigiata' maintains a narrow spread of only 10-15' for its entire lifespan, making it an excellent choice for large border plantings and windscreens, or as a specimen tree.

The needles of Pinus strobus tend to be fine and rather long, and though evergreen, shed needles will add a splash of bronzey tones to the nearby landscape. 'Fastigiata' grows best in acidic, well-drained soils with moderate moisture, and produces its best foliage and appearance when grown in full sun. Care should be taken when choosing a potential planting location for Pinus strobus 'Fastigiata,' taking into account both the tree's mature size as well as its intolerance of compacted clay soils or soils with high pH. White pine cones produce seed that are an excellent food source for birds and small mammals, and evergreen needles provide an elegant, formal appearance all year round.