Eastern White Pine

Pinus strobus image of Eastern White Pine tree, cones and leaves

Eastern white pine is the largest northeastern conifer. It has a straight trunk and horizontal branches. One row of branches is added each year to give the tree an attractive conical shape. The tall straight trunks were prized for ship masts in the colonial days. In Missouri, the tree is excellent for windbreaks and landscaping statewide, although it prefers moist sandy loam soils.

Identifying Characteristics

Height
90 ft
Spread
65 ft
Leaves
needles, 3"-5" long, in bundles of five; soft, flexible, blue-green
Fruit
cone, 4"-8" long; cone scales thin
Bark
smooth, gray on young trees; older bark dark-gray and deeply fissured
Associated species
northern red oak, white oak, hickory, white ash, red pine
Ideal site conditions
moist soil, partial sun
Value to man
windbreaks, erosion
Value to wildlife
cover
Growth Rate
fast
Range
range