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Description
The Pinus Strobus, commonly known as the Eastern White Pine, is a coniferous tree found in North America. This evergreen tree can grow up to 80 feet tall and has a spread of 20-40 feet. It has a conical shape with a straight trunk and its bark is gray and smooth when young, becoming furrowed and scaly as it ages. The Eastern White Pine is known for its soft, flexible needles, which grow in clusters of five and can range from 3-5 inches long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Coniferophyta |
| Class: | Pinopsida |
| Order: | Pinales |
| Family: | Pinaceae |
| Genus: | Pinus |
Appearance
The Eastern White Pine has a distinctive appearance with its conical shape and long, soft needles. Its needles are blue-green in color and grow in clusters of five. The needles are flexible and can easily bend without breaking. The tree also produces cones that are 4-8 inches long and can range in color from green to brown. The cones usually mature in two years and release their seeds in the fall.
Care Guide
The Eastern White Pine is relatively low maintenance and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate acidic soils. Here are some tips for caring for your Eastern White Pine:
- Water: The tree should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilization: The tree does not require frequent fertilization, but it can benefit from occasional applications of a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The Eastern White Pine can tolerate a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate acidic soils.
- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The Eastern White Pine is hardy in zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Eastern White Pine is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by some common issues:
- Pine Weevil: This pest can cause damage to the Eastern White Pine’s leader and branches.
- White Pine Blister Rust: This fungal disease can cause cankers on the tree’s branches and trunk.
- Needlecast: This fungal disease can cause the tree’s needles to turn brown and fall off.
Habitat
The Eastern White Pine is native to North America and can be found throughout the eastern United States and Canada. It typically grows in well-drained soils and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and sandy areas.
Question and Answer
Q: How long does it take for the Eastern White Pine’s cones to mature?
A: The cones usually take two years to mature.
Q: What is the Eastern White Pine’s hardiness zone?
A: The Eastern White Pine is hardy in zones 3-8.
Q: What is the Eastern White Pine’s maximum height?
A: The tree can grow up to 80 feet tall.
Q: What is the Eastern White Pine’s bark like?
A: The bark is gray and smooth when young, becoming furrowed and scaly as it ages.
Related Plants
- Pinus Strobus ‘Nana’ (Dwarf Eastern White Pine)
- Pinus resinosa (Red Pine)
- Pinus rigida (Pitch Pine)
- Pinus taeda (Loblolly Pine)
References
- “Eastern White Pine.” The Morton Arboretum, www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/eastern-white-pine.
- “Pinus strobus.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b870.
- “Eastern White Pine.” USDA Forest Service, www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/pinus_strobus.shtml.
