Eastern White Pine

Female cones are larger and mature in clusters. The cones are thinner and longer than those of other common pines, and female cones take two to three years to mature. The seeds are wind-pollinated and can travel up to 700 feet.  Cones fall from the tree after shedding their wind-dispersed, winged seeds. 

Needle-like leaves are grouped in bundles of five. These needles are three-sided, fine-toothed, and parallel. They appear almost feathery and are very soft. Depending on ecological conditions, needles can last from one to four years on the tree, and the tree remains evergreen year-round.

Younger eastern white pine trees have smooth green/gray bark, but once the tree matures, the bark becomes browner with scales. Branches curve upward. Many trees in this species appear asymmetrical due to wind exposure over the years.

Eastern white pine is sometimes used for Christmas trees. It is valued for timber and resin, and its soft wood is used for doors, moldings, trim, siding, and furniture. Its bark, leaves, and sap are also found in numerous products, including tea, protein snacks, and even flour. In Japan, the pine branches are cooked to infuse fish with flavor and aroma.

Environmental factors like air pollution, changing climate, and increased fungal pathogens targeting the species have caused the eastern white pine to decline. Because of its economic and environmental value, practices have been developed to combat these factors and save the species.

*This resource is a product of Dr. Sara Wright’s Plant Diversity course in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences Department.