Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus · Coniferous Evergreen / Softwood
Plant Family
Pinaceae
Tree Category
Conifer / Timber Tree / Shade Tree
Variety / Cultivar
None (Wild Species)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8.
About This Tree
A large, majestic evergreen with a straight trunk and a layered, horizontal branching pattern. Young trees are pyramidal, while mature trees develop a more open, irregular crown often shaped by wind.
Leaf Characteristics
Needles are soft, flexible, bluish-green to silver-green, 2 to 5 inches long, and occur in bundles of five. They remain on the tree for 2-3 years.
Bark Characteristics
On young trees, bark is thin, smooth, and greenish-gray. On the mature logs shown, it is thick, deeply furrowed into long, rectangular, dark grayish-brown plates or ridges.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern North America (Eastern US and Southeastern Canada)
Growing Season
Active growth in spring and summer; evergreen foliage persists year-round; pollen shed in late spring.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun but is more shade-tolerant than other pines; needs moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils; moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
High-reaching height of 50 to 80 feet (can exceed 150 feet in the wild) with a spread of 20 to 40 feet; fast growth rate.
Special Characteristics
Highly valued for straight-grained, easily worked timber; notable for its 'whispering' sound in the wind; susceptible to white pine blister rust and ozone pollution.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides essential nesting sites for bald eagles and various songbirds; seeds are consumed by squirrels, chipmunks, and birds like the red crossbill; provides excellent winter cover.