Pinus strobus (White Pine)

Pinus strobus, commonly referred to as white pine or eastern white pine, is a large, evergreen, coniferous tree found throughout much of eastern North America. Typically growing to 50-80' tall in the wild, with a spread of up to 20-40', white pine usually grows in a stout pyramidal shape for much of its lifespan, though it will occasionally flatten and thin out as it ages. Especially mature wild specimens of white pine will occasionally reach towering heights of 80 to 200' or more, but typical landscape specimens are much more compact. Elegant and upright, Pinus strobus makes an excellent specimen or shade tree with a ton of ecological appeal for birds, mammals, and lepidopteran larvae.

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. White pine grows best in acidic, well-drained soils with moderate moisture, and Pinus strobus produces its best foliage and appearance when grown in full sun. Care should be taken when choosing a potential planting location for Pinus strobus, as it is important to take 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.