Pinus strobus (Eastern White Pine)

Fast-growing and long-lived, Pinus strobus (Eastern White Pine) is a large evergreen conifer of pyramidal habit in youth, developing a broad upright or oval crown with horizontal and tiered branches over time. The foliage of soft, bluish-green needles, 5 in. long (12 cm), is arranged in feathery tufts of five toward the ends of the twigs. Cylindrical, pendent, brown cones, up to 8 in. long (20 cm), dangle on slender stalks. A fast grower, over 12 in. per year (30 cm), this magnificent evergreen tree is the state tree of Maine. It makes a wonderful specimen plant and is an excellent tree for wildlife, attracting birds and mammals for food and shelter. The largest northeastern conifer, Eastern White Pine tolerates heat, wind, cold, and urban conditions very well. It is however subject to white pine blister rust, a bark disease that is often fatal. Species of Ribes (currants and gooseberries) are the alternate host for white pine blister rust and should not be planted near white pines.

• Grows up to 50-80 ft. tall (13-24 m) and 20-40 ft. wide (6-12 m) at maturity.
• Performs best in full sun in rich, moist, well-drained soils. Will grow almost as well in clay, sand, or gravelly soils. While it withstands very dry soils, it does not perform well in poorly drained soils.
• Keep an eye out for blight, white pine blister rust, canker, white pine weevil, bark beetles, white pine shoot borer, Zimmerman moth larvae, pine sawfly, scale and aphids. Deer and rabbit resistant.
• Susceptible to damage by heavy loads of snow and ice.
• No pruning required. Easily transplanted in spring or early fall.
• Propagate by seed. Sow stratified seed outside in fall.
• Native to Eastern North America.