Pinus strobus

Pinus strobus, commonly known as the eastern white pine, is a massive coniferous perennial tree native to eastern North America.  Bundles of soft, blue-green nettles arranged like radial clusters of tiny paintbrushes densely cover the eastern white pine's amber branches.  Growing to an impressive height of 80 ft / 25 m and about half as wide, the eastern white pine is the largest conifer native to eastern North America and provides a very important ecological niche.  Nettles from this pine contain more vitamin C than citrus fruit and are excellent for preparing teas, while the bark contains resveratrol, which can be baked into bread for a healthy snack.  Additionally, some animals depend on the tree's bark as a staple of their diet, with some insects being reported to survive exclusively on it.  Eastern white pine can be meticulously trimmed to be a privacy hedge, and some varieties can be cultivated as bonsai.  

Provide eastern white pine with a location that receives a minimum of four hours of sun exposure daily, with partially shaded areas being preferable in hotter climates.  Acidic, well-draining soil is ideal for growing eastern white pine, with a bed of pine needle mulch over the trees' root systems being an excellent method for cooling and increasing acidity.  Water young trees weekly to keep them in good health while they establish their substantial root systems.  Once they have become established, eastern white pine trees can generally be neglected if the soil temperatures remain cool.  During particularly warm weather, provide supplemental watering in the absence of regular rain.  Cool, humid weather is the preferred climate for eastern white pine, with them commonly struggling in warm areas.  For at least the first few years after planting, apply an evergreen-specific, high-acid fertilizer in the spring.  Learn more in the Plant Story community!

3-6 hours of sun per day, with protection from intense mid-day sun

Water moderately, allowing the top 3cm to dry out between watering.

Pinus Strobus

Pinus strobus

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Ornamental

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