Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus)

Form

Height 80' to 100'; up to 42" in diameter; straight trunk and regular pyramidal shape with soft gray-green foliage; clear of branches for many feet when growing in the forest; on young trees, branches extend horizontally in whorls (circle arrangements), marking successive years of upward growth.

Bark

Thin, smooth, and greenish-gray on young trees, but thick, deeply furrowed, and grayish-brown on older trees.

Leaf

Needle-like, 2 1/2" to 5" long; bluish-green on upper surface, whitish beneath; occurs in bundles of five; soft, flexible.

Fruit (seed)

Cones are 4" to 8" long, cylindrical with thin and usually very gummy scales, each containing two small winged seeds; cones mature at end of second season.

Range

Important throughout the northern, central, and eastern parts of the state; also found scattered along the Mississippi River as far south as Houston County; thrives on fertile, well-drained soil; intermediate in shade tolerance. White pine blister rust, white pine weevil, and deer browsing are problems that take a heavy toll on the tree's survival.