nutrition, medicinal values, recipes, historical information, harvesting tips, etc.) It shrinks and swells very little, making it ideal for doors and sashes. Pinus strobus is the state tree of Maine and Michigan and is the Ontario arboreal emblem. Eastern White Pine is a tree native to eastern North America. If I had to pick my favorite species of pine it would have to … Pines are divided into three subgenera relative to the number of needles emanating from a common basal sheath; two-needled, three-needled, and five-needled pines. This fast-growing evergreen with long, soft, blue-green needles is commonly found as far north as Newfoundland and as far south as northern Georgia, a span covering growing zones 3 to 8. The eastern white pine female cones measure 8 to 20 cm (3 to 8”) long and they hang downward from the branches. White Pine Twig, Photo by Paul Wray, Iowa State University, White Pine Leaves - Photo by Paul Wray, Iowa State University, Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, ISU Extension and Outreach Their cones are long and slender growing to 6” (16 cm). Back to list of tree species. The needles of pine trees grow in bundles of 2, 3, or 5. Until about 1890, white pine was considered the species of choice for most commercial uses. Pine tree identification hinges on your ability to look at all the aspects of a pine tree and categorize it from the data you accumulate. Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) Western white pine (Pinus monticola) Sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana) Red pine (Pinus resinosa) Pitch pine (Pinus rigida) Jack pine (Pinus banksiana) Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) Shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata) Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) Slash pine (Pinus elliottii) Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana) Eastern white pine is a large tree with a pyramidal crown when young, becoming flattened or broadly rounded with age. While we strive to be 100% accurate, it is solely up to the reader to ensure proper plant identification. Pinus strobus, as described in 1759 by Carl Linnaeus, in Species Plantarum 2 is commonly known as the eastern white pine, white pine, northern white pine and Weymouth pine. The needles are light, bluish-green, soft, straight and slender. Pine needles grow in clusters on the branch which helps tell these evergreens apart from other conifers. White pine was the species the lumber industry was founded upon in the Northeastern United States. The eastern white pine can grow to be more than 40 metres tall. Male and female cones grow on the same tree. It is a large pine tree with historical significance as the Iroquois (Native American Haudenosaunee) considered it as the “Tree of Peace” and chose it as a symbol for the unity of the Iroquois Confederacy. It is in the Pinus (pine) family which has about 100 species worldwide. Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine) cultivars. White Pine Fruit - Photo by Paul Wray, Iowa State University. Simply count the number of whorls from bottom to top. While potentially damaging to the trees, the bark is eaten by mammals such as beavers, snowshoe hares, porcupines, rabbits and mice. Pine tree identification Eastern white pines are a tall species and grow to up to 230 ft. (70 m). nutrition, medicinal values, recipes, historical information, harvesting tips, etc.) Pine Tree Identification by Needles (With Pictures) The best way to identify pine trees (genus Pinus) is by looking at their needle-like leaves. The genus is currently split into two subgenera: subgenus Pinus (hard pines), and subgenus Strobus (soft pines).Each of the subgenera have been further divided into sections based on chloroplast DNA sequencing and whole plastid genomic analysis. Leaves (needles) are soft, flexible and bluish-green to silver green in color and are regularly arranged in bundles of five. The tallest tree on record in New York State is an Eastern White Pine. In this video I go over the White Pine and it's identification features as well as it's uses. Habitat: Found growing on sandy or rocky steep wooded slopes. please check out our, Wild food can help treat various medical conditions. For consumers that have a high ceiling and want a larger tree, white pine can be an economical choice. When the pine tree is mature and begins to age, the bark becomes flaky. White pine blister rust, white pine weevil, and deer browsing are problems that take a heavy toll on the tree's survival. Pinus, the pines, is a genus of approximately 111 extant tree and shrub species. Evergreen or conifer trees differ from hardwoods or deciduous trees in that the leaves are needle like and the reproductive organs are borne in cones instead of flowers. The tree is nature’s home for the Common Crossbill and squirrels. It is also used for boxes, crates, toys, and many other items. It was the leader in the lumber markets and still demands an important place in todays market. The bark is grayish to reddish-brown in color. Can be found in the eastern half of Iowa but mainly in the extreme northeast. The very straight trunk of White Pine is punctuated by a whorl of lateral branches every one to two feet, and from this sequential arrangement, a close approximation of the age of the tree can be determined. Identification, health, The cones are 3-6 inches long, gradually tapering, with cone scales without prickles and light tan to whitish in color on outer edge of the scales. Older classifications split the genus into three … Click, All listed plants are found in central-east Canada and Western White Pine The western white pine is an ornamental species of tree that is blessed with an incredible endurance capacity. Needles measure anywhere from 5 to 15 cm (2 to 6”) long, are three-sided, finely toothed, and occur in bundles of 5. Needle bundles cluster in a brush-like formation. Branches are stout, irregular in shape, and grow horizontal to ascending. Young bark is thin, greyish-green, and smooth. Also known as the Northern White Pine, this pine tree is a fast growing, sturdy, and majestic tree that can live up to 200 years. The female cone matures in two to three years and drop soon after shedding the seeds. Male cones are yellow, small, and clustered at the base of the current year's growth. With only three species of true pines native to the Great Lakes region it just takes a little investigation for proper identification. Naturally, it grows on bluffs, ridges and wooded slopes on soils with good internal drainage. Even though it is not native in most of Iowa, it is a common tree in Iowa's landscape because it has been planted extensively for ornamental purposes, Christmas trees, wildlife habitat, windbreaks and timber production. They are eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), redcedar, balsam fir, common juniper and yew. Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) Species description:Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) is a 5-needled conifer classified as a stone pine which includes five species worldwide. 339 Science II TreeHelp.com notes that about 35 separate species of pines grow native to North America, with other ornamental species introduced for use in landscaping. White Pine are known to attain a height of around 230 ft! Michael Kudish lists a 275-year-old Eastern White Pine in Paul Smiths that was 49 inches in diameter. Mature (outer) bark is 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2”) thick with broad ridges of dark-tinged scales. White pine. In Europe, this tree is better known as the Weymouth. Appr… This is a dense tree with soft, green needles. Its leaves or needles occur in bundles or fascicles of five, 3-5 inches long, bluish green, with fine white lines or stomata. The eastern white pine has pine leaves made up of clusters of 5 pine needles. On good sites, white pine will grow 50-90 feet in height; as a young tree growth rate is moderately fast (2-3 feet per year), decreasing with age. Typically a tree is 20 or 30 years old before it reproduces, and then only every 3 to 5 years. Its curve upper branches have a pronounced upward shape, and the length of its limbs often varies considerably from one whorl to the next. Pine sap can be used as a source of nutrients as well. White Pine Tree - Photo by Paul Wray, Iowa State University. Eastern white pine seeds are favored by black bears, rabbits, red squirrels and many birds, especially red crossbills. A pine tree’s bark will be smooth when the tree is young, but this changes as it ages. Also known as the Northern White Pine, this pine tree is a fast growing, sturdy, and majestic tree that can live up to 200 years. Leaves are needles, 3–5 inches long, in bundles of 5; slender, straight, soft, flexible, blue-green, undersurface of needles lined with white pores. Although the inner and outer park can be used as a food source this is only in a survival situation. The bark on young trees is smooth and light gray, becoming dark gray to black with flat plates separated by shallow fissures on older trees. As a member of the Pine Family, it is related to other Pines as well as the Firs, Larches, Spruces, and Hemlocks. The cones are 3-6 inches long, gradually tapering, with cone scales without prickles and light tan to whitish in color on outer edge of the scales. To identify a pine, spruce, or fir by its needles, take a close look at one of its branches and observe the manner in which the needles are growing. Wildlife Habitat Programs and Consultation, Alternate, simple, double-toothed with unequal leaf bases. Spruce, fir, and hemlock needles grow singularly on the branch. (click on each photo to enlarge image) Needles: Occur in bundles of 5; 2-4" long; white lines on all 3 surfaces of each 3-sided needle. AL-Plant Identification Resource (Auburn University) (PIST) CT-University of Connecticut Plant Database (PIST) Canada-Official Plants of Ontario (PIST) Encyclopedia of Life Species Abstract (PIST) Forestry Images (PIST) IL-Selecting Trees for your Home (University of Illinois) (PIST) IL-vPLANTS (PIST) NC-Plant Fact Sheet (NCSU) (PIST) It is the state tree of Maine and Michigan. White pine is easy to identify. The terminal buds are ovoid in shape, about 3/8 of an inch long, tapering to an abrupt slender tip, and have light brown scales. All information, photographs and web content contained in this website is Copyright © EdibleWildFood.com 2020. please check out our White Pine PDF magazine. Its leaves or needles occur in bundles or fascicles of five, 3-5 inches long, bluish green, with fine white lines or stomata. Trunks are tall, straight and can reach diametres of up to one metre (3'). Plantings do best on well drained soils, with moderately good moisture holding capacity, and soils that are slightly acidic. Stone pines are distinguished by large, dense seeds that lack wings and therefore depend upon … Ames, IA 50011, Iowa State University | PoliciesState & National Extension Partners. Unique identifying markers are the tree's branching rings which are added each year and the only five-needled eastern pine. Alder Superior Ash Rustic Aspen Basswood Beech European Birch Cambia Cedar Aromatic Cherry Cottonwood Cypress Hickory Maple Oak Red Oak Red Qrtd Oak Red Rift Oak White Oak White Qrtd Oak White Rift Poplar Pine Furniture Pine Northern Sassafras Walnut Exotic Species. White pines will have a smooth bark no matter their age. They will drop anywhere from one to four years depending on conditions. Copyright © 2020 Iowa State University of Science and Technology. Twigs are flexible, green and in the first year, hairy. The White Pine is easily the tallest tree in all of eastern North America. Female cones are what stands out. The Eastern White Pine is the largest eastern conifer, often growing up to 150 feet tall and up to 40 inches in diameter, depending on the soil. Take into account such facets of a pine as its needles, its size, the cones and its bark, and you will get a good idea of what type of pine it is. Historically this tree is known for many uses including ship masts; today, it is used in construction and in carpentry. While the West Coast has taller trees, the eastern white pine is the biggest conifer native to eastern North America. The wood of white pine is light, soft, and easily worked. White pine trees can be found anywhere from dry rocky ridges to sphagnum bogs. White Pines thrive in cool, humid climate. White pine is one of two Michigan native conifers commonly used for Christmas trees, along with balsam fir. Seed Stratification: Prechill for 2 months at 34°F to 40°F. Fruit: Huge, woody cones, 10-20" long (larger than western white pine cones) and straight.Cone scales are thick and straight.. Bark: Reddish-brown and furrowed; broken into long plates on older trees (narrow plates on young trees). Who’s in the pine family (Pinaceae)? White pine is easy to identify. Pine needles can be dried and ground into smaller parts for tea. They are similar pine species that take a little practice to learn to tell apart. For more in-depth information (e.g. There are many layers of scales that are broken into irregular blocks. This family of conifers include pines, spruces, firs, hemlocks, larches (these are not evergreens), and true cedars. Being a conifer, the pine has needles, not leaves. Most pines will overwinter with 2-3 years of needles, white pine looses all but the current years needles in the early fall. Plantings on dry, exposed, calcareous soils will often fail. This behemoth can grow to be as tall as 80 feet and as wide as 40 feet. Distinguishing between the high elevation white pines in western North America can … EdibleWildFood.com is informational in nature. Click. The beautiful coniferous tree has an open crown. It is large, soft, five-needled pine native to eastern North America. White pine (Pinus strobus), red or Norway pine (P. resinosa) and jack pine (P. banksiana) all have needles in bundles or clumps called fascicles. It is the only five-needled pine east of the Rockies. Eastern white pine is now widely grown in plantation forestry within its native area. north-east United States (zones 4-7), but do grow elsewhere. They can be ground down to use in baking or cooking. I've long been operating under the misguided belief that a neat way to distinguish white pines and red pines is by number of needles: white pines have … Domestic Species. This tree will require light-weight ornaments. They grow well in the southern Appalachians and in specially protected areas such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and regions developed by the Eastern (White Pine) Native Tree Societ… The White Pine is one of the supermarkets of the forest. Site Requirements: White pines grow best in well-drained upland soils, but are adaptable. It tends to prefer cool, humid areas with well-drained soils. Pine needles contain a wealth of nutrients. Balsamic Vinegar, Chewy Pine Granola Bars, Coconut Pine Cookies, Conifer Muffins, Easy-to-Make Pine Cookies, No Bake Pine Treats, Pine Apple Crisp, Pine Cake, Pine Cookies, Pine Muffins, Pine Rum Balls. Only five evergreens are native to Iowa. It is up to the reader to verify nutritional information and health benefits with qualified professionals for all edible plants listed in this web site. White pine is native to northeast Iowa, plus isolated native stands in Hardin, and Muscatine counties. Pictured above is a mature eastern white pine. The bark has a strong resistance to fire. We are not health professionals, medical doctors, nor are we nutritionists. They require well-drained soil of the rocky highlands, but also thrive in boggy areas. The fine-textured leaves and the asymmetric shape of older trees make white pine one of the easiest conifers to identify from a distance. Leaves: Alternate, simple, double-toothed with unequal leaf bases, Seed Bearing Frequency: Every 3 to 10 years. This tree is found anywhere from the central to eastern parts of Canada and the U.S., as well as in parts of Europe. Both red pine and eastern white pine are found throughout the Northeast. IDENTIFICATION There are more than a hundred species of pine in the world. Please click here for more information. In-depth wild edible PDFs. All rights reserved. This tree, which can be seen in the Elders Grove (also known as the 1675 grove) in Easy Street (near Paul Smiths in Franklin County), is 160.4 feet tall, with a circumference of 13.1 feet and a diamet… Some wild plants are poisonous or can have serious adverse health effects. nutrition, recipes, history, uses & more! Members of the pine family have needles as opposed to scaly leaves. White pine is the tallest native conifer in eastern North America. They have intermediate shade tolerance. It is in the Pinus (pine) family which has about 100 species worldwide. Look for flaky bark to identify a mature pine tree. To support our efforts please browse our store (books with medicinal info, etc.). For more in-depth information (e.g.