Eastern White Pine

Pinus strobus

Dimensions:

• Height: 50’ - 80’

• Mature spread: 20’ - 40’

• Trunk Diameter: 3’ - 5’

Habitat and Range:

• prefers fertile, moist, slightly acidic soil

• found in the Eastern Kentucky mountains

Features:

• it is a low-maintenance, rapid growing species

• has soft, flexible needles and graceful, feathery foliage

• can live 200 years

• usually the tallest tree in an Eastern forest along with the tulip tree

• susceptible to damage by road salt, air pollution, snow, and drought

History:

• the long, straight trunk was used for ship masts

• Iroquois called it the “Tree of Peace”

• prior to the American Revolution, the British took 4,500 white pines for their navy which lead to the “Mast Tree Riot,” similar to the Boston Tea Party

• its sap was used to waterproof baskets, buckets, and boats