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Description
Pinus Monticola, commonly known as the Western White Pine, is a species of coniferous tree belonging to the Pinaceae family. It is native to the western part of North America, ranging from British Columbia to California. The tree is known for its tall and straight trunks, which can grow up to 70 meters in height, making it one of the tallest pine trees in North America.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Genus | Pinus |
Appearance
The Western White Pine has long, slender needles that grow in bundles of five. The needles can range from 5 to 10 cm in length and are blue-green in color. The tree’s bark is smooth and grayish-brown, becoming more furrowed with age. The tree produces small cones that are 10 to 20 cm long and have scales that are thin and flexible. The cones are green when young and turn brown as they mature.
Care Guide
The Western White Pine prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate some shade. The tree requires regular watering, especially during the first few years of growth. It is important to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Fertilizer can be applied in the spring and fall, using a slow-release formula. The tree is hardy in zones 4 to 7.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Western White Pine is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including White Pine Blister Rust, Pine Needle Scale, and Western Pine Beetle. White Pine Blister Rust is a fungal disease that attacks the tree’s needles and can cause defoliation. The Pine Needle Scale is a small insect that feeds on the tree’s needles, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. The Western Pine Beetle is a bark beetle that can cause extensive damage to the tree’s bark, leading to death.
Habitat
The Western White Pine is found in a variety of habitats, including montane forests, subalpine forests, and mixed conifer forests. It is often found growing in association with other coniferous trees, such as Douglas Fir and Lodgepole Pine. The tree is an important source of timber, and its wood is used for a variety of purposes, including construction, furniture, and paper.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the Western White Pine’s preferred soil type?
A: The Western White Pine prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic.
Q: What is the Western White Pine’s hardiness zone?
A: The tree is hardy in zones 4 to 7.
Q: What is the Western White Pine’s height?
A: The tree can grow up to 70 meters in height.
Q: What is the Western White Pine’s common pest?
A: The Western White Pine is susceptible to the Pine Needle Scale, a small insect that feeds on the tree’s needles.
Related Plants
- Pinus contorta (Lodgepole Pine)
- Pinus ponderosa (Ponderosa Pine)
- Pinus lambertiana (Sugar Pine)
References
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Pinus monticola. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=PIMO
- Bowcutt, F., & Hamann, A. (2004). Ecology of the Western White Pine (Pinus monticola). Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Pacific Forestry Centre.
- Elias, T. S. (1980). The complete trees of North America: field guide and natural history. Van Nostrand Reinhold.
