Pinus strobus
White Pine
General
A common pine of upland forests and wetland edges. White pine prefers well-drained soils, and is slightly shade tolerant. Also provides cover for many species of wildlife including deer and owls.
Plant Description
White pine’s foliage is a light blueish-green in color. Its needles appear in bundles of five. It has even, horizontal branches that turn upwards at the ends.
Height (ft)
80-100
Spread (ft)
20-40
Soil moisture
Medium moisture, moist woods to dry uplands
Soil types
Light Medium Textured Loams
Wetland indicator
FACU
Shade tolerance
Full Sun-Part Shade
Bloom color
Red
Bloom period
Spring
Fall conspicuous
No
Anaerobic tolerance
None
Drought tolerance
None
Salinity tolerance
Low
Self-Pollinating?
Yes
Range
White pine is common in every state in the northeastern US, as well as Michigan, PA, and the Virginias.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]
Additional Information
According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, the wood has been used for lumber and to make canoes. This species has been applied to wounds to draw out the "poison." The steam from the decoction of this plant has been used to treat headaches. A decoction of the shaved knobs was used to treat poison ivy rashes. The raw bark has been taken to treat stomach cramps.