~ By Gardnbee ~

Tree ~ White Pine (Pinus strobus)

Family ~ Pinaceae (Firs, Pines and Spruce

Species ~ The Conifers (Coniferophyta)

Some Other Common Names ~ Eastern White Pine, Northern White Pine, Northern Pine and Soft Pine

White Pine has widespread and moderately deep roots with no distinct taproot; its somewhat whorled branches are few and spreading with slightly upturned tips. The soft flexible three-sided needles are bluish green and measure from two to four inches in length as clusters of five. The buds of this Tree are aromatic but heavily resinous and sticky. Its long slender tapering cones grow from three to ten inches in length.

This particular conifer can reach heights in nature between eighty to one hundred and ten feet with a spread from twenty to forty feet. It commonly reaches a life span of around two hundred years of age and in some instances may exceed four hundred years of age. Within our outdoor living space we have over a thousand of these trees started as seedlings about eighteen years ago; today they are growing nicely and in fact the above branch image was taken by me for this article. It gives you an idea how healthy they are :)

The White Pine can be found growing on a variety of locations from very moist to dry sandy plains and rocky ridges or along the East Side of lakes. It grows on just about any soil types but prefers well-drained soils and cool but humid climates. In Canada its distribution ranges across New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Quebec.

As a rule of thumb, cymbidiums grow best in temperatures that fall between 60 and 85 degrees during the daytime hours and from 40 to 55 degrees at night. But, as mentioned earlier, these are very hardy plants so they can tolerate both very hot and cold temps for short periods of time as long as they are sheltered from wind and frost. However, if you wish to see blooms, bringing them indoors will not be wise as most homes are too dark and too warm for them to produce flowers.

Commercially this tree is harvested for its lumber and pulp while domestically it is often used in landscaping across its range where large enough space is available. Speaking for myself personally this tree is viewed as spiritually, symbolically and medicinally beneficial from a holistic perspective. Its needles as one example are rich in Vitamin C and make a wonderful, restorative tea.

         

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