The Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) commonly called the eastern white pine, northern white pine, white pine, Weymouth pine (British), and soft pine is native to eastern North America and is an important horticultural species, often used in landscaping and as Christmas trees. It is a fast-growing tree, capable of adding 1 meter in height annually between the ages of 15 and 45 years.
The branches are spaced about every 18 inches on the trunk with five or six branches appearing like spokes on a wagon wheel. Eastern white pine is self-fertile, but seeds produced this way tend to result in weak, stunted, and malformed seedlings. Eastern White Pine is known for its longevity, with some specimens living over 400 years. A tree growing near Syracuse, New York, was dated to 458 years old in the late 1980s and trees in Michigan and Wisconsin were dated to roughly 500 years old.
Captain George Weymouth, an early English explorer of the Maine coast, played a significant role in introducing the Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) to the United Kingdom. In 1605, Weymouth brought seeds of the Eastern White Pine from Maine to England. This tree is known as the “Weymouth pine” in the United Kingdom, named after him.
Eastern White Pine Identifying Characteristics
- Growth Habit: It grows rapidly and can reach heights of 50-80 feet tall and widths of 20-40 feet wide. In virgin forests, individuals of 150 feet tall and 40 inches in diameter were common.
- Needles: The needles are soft, flexible, and bluish-green, arranged in bundles of five, which is a distinctive feature of this pine. They are typically 5 inches long.
- Growth Rate: Eastern White Pine grows about 1 meter annually between the ages of 15 and 45 years, with slower height increments before and after that age range.
- Cones: The tree produces cylindrical, pendent cones that are 4 to 8 inches long, maturing from green to brown.
- Roots: While not extensively detailed, Eastern White Pine prefers well-drained or sandy soils, indicating a preference for good drainage.
- USDA Zones: It is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
- Soil Preference: Eastern White Pine prefers rich, moist, well-drained, acidic soil, but it can tolerate a range of soil types including clay, sand, or gravelly soils.
- Sunlight Requirements: It thrives in full sun to partial shade, needing at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Climate Tolerance: It is tolerant of heat, wind, and cold, but has little drought tolerance and is sensitive to soil compaction and surface salts.
- Landscape Uses: Widely used for timber due to its soft, easily workable wood, it is also popular in landscaping as a specimen tree, for screens, and windbreaks. However, it has a high flammability rating and should not be planted within a home’s defensible space.
- Wildlife Value: Provides habitat and food for birds and small mammals, with its seeds especially attractive to various wildlife species.
- Historical Note: Known as the “Weymouth pine” in the United Kingdom, after Captain George Weymouth of the British Royal Navy, who brought its seeds to England from Maine in 1605.
- Pollution Sensitivity: The tree is intolerant of many air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and ozone, as well as alkaline soils.
Eastern White Pine Distribution
Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) is native to southeastern Canada and northeastern United States, extending from Newfoundland west through the Great Lakes region, and south through New England and the Mid-Atlantic states to northern Georgia and Mississippi. Here are some specific details about its distribution:
- Southeastern Canada: It is found in provinces like Newfoundland, Quebec, Ontario, and parts of Manitoba.
- Northeastern United States: It is widespread in states such as Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
- Great Lakes Region: It is present in states like Minnesota, Illinois, and Michigan.
- Appalachian Mountains: It extends southward into the Appalachian Mountains, covering parts of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia.
- Adirondack Park, New York: There are small groves or individual specimens of old-growth eastern white pines in this area.
- Ice Glen, Massachusetts: Another site with old-growth eastern white pines.
- Ordway Grove, Maine: Home to old-growth eastern white pines.
- Mohawk Trail State Forest and William Cullen Bryant Homestead, Massachusetts: These locations feature tall stands of eastern white pines.
- Southern Mexico and Guatemala: A variety of eastern white pine, Pinus strobus var. chiapensis, is native to the mountains in these regions.
- Outer Western Carpathians: As an introduced species, it is naturalizing in parts of the Carpathian Mountains in Czech Republic and southern Poland.
Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) Cultivation
Soil Requirements
Eastern White Pines prefer well-drained, sandy, or loamy soils. They can tolerate a range of soil types, including slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain water.
Sunlight
These pines thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Ensure they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
Watering
Young Eastern White Pines need regular watering to establish their roots. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Once established, they are moderately drought-tolerant.
Planting Time
The best time to plant Eastern White Pines is in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild. This allows the roots to establish before the extreme heat of summer or the cold of winter.
Spacing
When planting multiple Eastern White Pines, space them at least 6 to 8 meters apart to allow for their mature spread and to ensure good air circulation.
Mulching
Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep the mulch a few centimeters away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Fertilization
Eastern White Pines generally do not require much fertilization. If the soil is poor, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth and weaken the plant.
Pruning
Prune Eastern White Pines annually in late winter or early spring to maintain their shape and size. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. For a more compact growth habit, you can also pinch back the new growth (candles) in the spring.
Pest and Disease Management
Eastern White Pines are relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, they can occasionally be affected by pests like white pine weevils, aphids, or fungal diseases. Regularly inspect your plants and treat any issues promptly with appropriate measures.
Winter Protection
In colder climates, young Eastern White Pines may benefit from some winter protection. Apply a layer of mulch around the base and consider using burlap to shield them from harsh winds and heavy snow.
Cultivars of Eastern White Pine
- ‘Blue Shag’: This dwarf variety grows only 2 to 3 feet high and is compact, making it suitable for small spaces. It is a cultivar of the Eastern White Pine that has been selected for its desirable traits, such as its blue-green needles and compact growth form.
- ‘Fastigiata’: Known for its columnar shape, this cultivar can grow up to 40 feet tall but only 8 feet wide. It is often used in landscaping where a narrow profile is needed.
- ‘Nana’: This cultivar is a dwarf form, growing slowly and reaching heights of 91 cm (3 ft) tall by 1.2 m (4 ft) wide. It is suitable for small gardens and containers.
- ‘Macopin’: Growing 30 to 91 cm (1 to 3 ft) tall and wide, this cultivar is known for its small stature and is often used in bonsai and as a hedge.
- ‘Paul Waxman’: This cultivar grows 61 to 152 cm (2 to 5 ft) tall and wide, making it a medium-sized option for gardens and parks. It is known for its ornamental value and ease of maintenance.
- ‘Pendula’: This weeping form of Eastern White Pine has gracefully arching branches, making it a striking focal point in any garden.
- ‘Tiny Kurls’: This unique cultivar has twisted, curly needles and a compact growth habit, making it an interesting addition to any garden.
- ‘Horsford’: A dwarf, rounded cultivar with dense, blue-green foliage. It is ideal for rock gardens and small landscapes.
- ‘Sea Urchin’: This miniature cultivar has a dense, rounded form and short, blue-green needles. It is perfect for rock gardens and container planting.
- ‘Angel Falls’: A weeping form with long, pendulous branches that create a dramatic effect in the landscape.