Pinus strobus

Pinus strobus, commonly known as the Eastern White Pine, is a large pine native to eastern North America. It is a member of the Pinaceae family and the Pinus genus.

Description

Pinus strobus is a fast-growing, long-lived tree, reaching up to 50 meters tall and 1.5 meters in diameter. It has a straight trunk and a crown that becomes rounded with age. The bark is smooth and gray on young trees, becoming dark and deeply furrowed on older trees. The needles are in bundles of five, soft, flexible, bluish-green, and finely toothed. The cones are long, slender, and cylindrical, with thin, flexible scales.

Distribution and Habitat

Pinus strobus is native to the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. It grows in a variety of habitats, from dry rocky ridges to wet swampy areas. It is a dominant species in the Great Lakes mixed forest and the Acadian forest.

Uses

The wood of Pinus strobus is light, soft, and easily worked. It has been widely used for construction, furniture, and pulpwood. The tree is also used for ornamental purposes in parks and large gardens.

Conservation

While Pinus strobus is not currently considered threatened, it has been heavily logged in the past, and old-growth stands are now rare. Efforts are being made to protect remaining old-growth stands and to promote sustainable forestry practices.

See Also

• List of Pinus species
• Forestry
• Conservation biology