White Pine
The white pine in a majestic setting
As you stroll or drive through the countryside in eastern North America and look at the forests, often one tree rises above the rest to reveal its beautiful form. The eastern white pine towers above other trees - conifers and deciduous included - and offers a majestic view of the grace and beauty these trees behold.
In modern times the white pine is said to reach up to 150 feet tall, but there are tales that before the eastern part of North America became “civilized”, many reached well over 250 feet tall. In fact, the tree was used by immigrants from Europe to rebuild many of their cities and towns after the great wars. It’s a shame really, that very few of these specimens remain of that height and stature, but with care and respect they will return to their former glory.
The white pine has needles bunched in groups of five, and offers a light feathery feel when touched. Unlike some other pines, where their needles can feel like a pin, the white pines needles blow gracefully in the wind.
This tree grows quickly once established; younger specimens about one foot tall (30 centimeters) will establish more quickly than older specimens and often catch up to them in growth over roughly a decade. These trees can be used in suburban areas with care, but usually only on large lots, not cookie cutters that are often built today, and away from the edge of roadways.
The white pine offers sanctuary for many animals and birds, and as with most conifers, keeps it needles year round. In the fall they drop some of their needles, which create a lovely bed of rusty needles below each tree. These needles when placed on an open fire give a superb aroma.
This tree can be strategically placed in the north parts of a yard to protect against the north wind. As they get older, they will be a more effective wind break.
In modern times the white pine is said to reach up to 150 feet tall, but there are tales that before the eastern part of North America became “civilized”, many reached well over 250 feet tall. In fact, the tree was used by immigrants from Europe to rebuild many of their cities and towns after the great wars. It’s a shame really, that very few of these specimens remain of that height and stature, but with care and respect they will return to their former glory.
The white pine has needles bunched in groups of five, and offers a light feathery feel when touched. Unlike some other pines, where their needles can feel like a pin, the white pines needles blow gracefully in the wind.
This tree grows quickly once established; younger specimens about one foot tall (30 centimeters) will establish more quickly than older specimens and often catch up to them in growth over roughly a decade. These trees can be used in suburban areas with care, but usually only on large lots, not cookie cutters that are often built today, and away from the edge of roadways.
The white pine offers sanctuary for many animals and birds, and as with most conifers, keeps it needles year round. In the fall they drop some of their needles, which create a lovely bed of rusty needles below each tree. These needles when placed on an open fire give a superb aroma.
This tree can be strategically placed in the north parts of a yard to protect against the north wind. As they get older, they will be a more effective wind break.
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When going to the country, and one comes across a large grove of white pines, the smell in the air is heavenly. Pay attention to this the next time you head out to the woods, because the aroma alone can put you in a better frame of mind.
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The white pine bark has been rumoured to help in creating an effective cough syrup with other ingredients; the bark also contains Vitamin C, and was used to help scurvy ravaged pioneers by Native Americans after boiling
the bark and creating a tea. A lovely herbal tea can also be created by
using the young needles of the white pine.
Whether one is simply looking at the regal beauty of the white pine, or watching squirrels run up and down their trunk, being around white pines brings a certain piece of mind that is very relaxing.
Whether one is simply looking at the regal beauty of the white pine, or watching squirrels run up and down their trunk, being around white pines brings a certain piece of mind that is very relaxing.
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