Eastern white pine is an evergreen conifer tree in the Pinaceae (pine) family. This pine’s origin is in the northeastern United States and Canada. It may grow 50 to 80 feet tall and 20 to 40 feet wide.
Eastern white pine grows naturally in high, dry, sandy and rocky ridges and is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions. It prefers full sun; moist, well-drained, fertile sandy loams; and cool, humid climates. It is intolerant of many air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and ozone, salts, and alkaline soils.
This pine is an important timber tree (perhaps more so in the 18th and 19th centuries than now) valued for its lightweight, straight-grained wood. It is utilized as a Christmas tree in large areas such as parks, commercial areas, and estates. The pine cones are sold as tree decorations for models, model railroading, and Christmas decorations.
This plant is an attractive, ornamental, landscape tree, singly and in hedges, borders, or woodland areas. Alternatively, plant it in a native, butterfly, pollinator, or nighttime garden, as it will attract butterflies and other pollinators, songbirds, and small mammals.
Fire Risk: This plant has a high flammability rating and should not be planted within the defensible space of your home. Select plants with a low flammability rating for the sites nearest your home.
Quick ID Hints:
- Gymnosperm tree with branches and twigs whorled
- Needles are bluish-green, soft, pliable, and in fives
- Cones are narrow cylindrical, scales whiten at the apex
Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems: It is susceptible to blights, canker, and rusts, especially white pine blister rust, which is usually fatal. Insect problems include white pine weevil, bark beetles, white pine shoot borer, Zimmerman moth larvae, pine sawfly, scale, and aphids. Spider mites are occasional visitors in some areas. This tree is susceptible to wind damage.
VIDEO Created byHomegrownfeaturing Jeff Owen, Area Extension Forestry Specialist for NC State Extension
