Eastern white pine - Pinus strobus (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images)

Eastern white pine

Also known as: Soft pine, Weymouth pine

Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) is a long-lived evergreen tree native to mixed forests of temperate zones in eastern North America. It is considered one of the tallest trees in its native area. Eastern white pine has a straight-grained lightweight wood, highly valued in construction.

Scientific classification

Species

Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus)

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

Mid fall

Harvest Time

30 m to 67 m

Plant Height

6 m to 12 m

Spread

Green, Blue

Leaf Color

Brown

Fruit Color

Yellow, Green, Red

Flower Color

Green, Brown, Blue

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Eastern white pine

Attributes of Eastern white pine

Growth Rate

During spring and summer, eastern white pine experiences rapid growth, characterized by swift height increase, thick foliage production, and robust branch expansion. The rapid development in these warmer months entails the plant's thriving capacity to potentially reach up to two feet annually. The accelerated growth, however, is mitigated by cooler autumn and winter seasons leading to reduced growth speed, highlighting the plant's adaptive evolvement.

Distribution of Eastern white pine

Distribution Map

Eastern white pine is native to the eastern half of North America. It has become naturalized in western Europe, Scandinavia, and Korea. In the wild, it typically grows in temperate broadleaf and mixed forests, where it breaks through the canopy of shorter trees.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Woods, river banks

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Eastern white pine is a very tall evergreen tree that is sometimes grown ornamentally as a specimen tree. Its main appeal is its attractive evergreen needles and pine cones, which attract birds and mammals to the garden. This large tree has a broad crown and needs to be given plenty of space to grow, so it is only suitable for growing in larger gardens and parks as a specimen tree. For great contrasts, plant this tree with American beech, sugar maple, and quaking aspen.

Symbolism

Hope, Pity, peacemaking, clarity

Interesting Facts

Famous naturalist Henry David Thoreau wrote, "there is no finer tree," about eastern white pine. During his time in the 19th century, the eastern white pine was heavily used to produce lumber. Before that, in the early American Thirteen Colonies, eastern white pine was used to produce masts for ships.

Name Story

Eastern white pine: It is a pine native to Eastern North America. By the beginning of the 20th century, there is only 1% of the original forests had this kind of tree. It is because of its excellent wood, it was over logged. Its freshly logged timber was milky white, so it was called Eastern white pine.

Soft pine: Despite the fact that it is such a tall and strong tree, its branches are extremely soft. Due to its soft quality of the branches, it is widely used in making holiday wreaths. The soft branches also inspire the name, soft pine.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Eastern white pine, including the following common varieties :

Eastern white pine 'Densa'Eastern white pine 'Blue Shag'Eastern white pine 'Pendula'Eastern white pine 'Tiny Kurls'

Quickly Identify Eastern white pine

Bluish-green needles in clusters of five, measuring 3 to 5 inches (7.6 to 12.7 cm) long.

Whorled branching pattern with slender stem, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter.

Distinct reddish-brown oval buds on branches.

Cylindrical cones 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) long with whitened tips.

Mature height of 50 to 80 feet (15 to 24 meters) with widths of 20 to 40 feet (6 to 12 meters).

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Care Guide for Eastern white pine

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Eastern white pine thrives in temperate climates with moderate moisture and tolerates brief dry spells. It prefers well-drained soil, requiring watering every 1-2 weeks. Adapted to seasonal water variations, eastern white pine is ideal for temperate gardens and is typically found outdoors.

Fertilize: Fertilize eastern white pine annually with balanced nutrients, preferably late winter to early spring. Use about a cup for young trees, increasing with age. Avoid over-fertilization, monitor soil tests, and water after application. Employ granular or slow-release fertilizers and wear gloves during application.

Pruning: Eastern white pine features soft, bluish-green needles and grows rapidly. Prune in early to late winter to remove dead or crossing branches, enhancing air circulation and shape. This minimizes sap loss and stress, ensuring healthy growth. Monitor for pests after pruning for optimal care.

Propagation: Eastern white pine is an ornamental tree valued for its soft wood. Successful propagation uses short cuttings from vigorous growth, treated with rooting hormone. Ensure adequate moisture, warmth, and a well-draining soil mix to facilitate root development.

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