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| Pinus strobus
White pineCulture: The Eastern white pine performs best on moist, sandy loam soils, but is adaptable to a wide range of situations. It prefers full sun and a humid atmosphere, but does not tolerate air pollution. Although easy to transplant, care must be taken not to plant it too deep in heavy soils. Locating specimens in open areas with sweeping winds may result in earlier loss of lower branches. It has a relatively fast growth rate. Subject to white pine blister rust and white pine weevil, but is otherwise relatively trouble-free. White pine blister rust requires currants Ribes species as an alternate host and because most of the currants were eliminated from the US, this disease is not commonly a problem in landscapes. Chlorosis or yellowing may occur on alkaline sites. Usage: An excellent specimen plant for parks, estates and large areas. The soft texture coupled with the pyramidal to picturesque habit adds an excellent effect to the landscape. This species has played a key historical and economical role in the development of the US. This species was once the dominant timber species in this country, producing hundreds of millions of board feet of soft, lightweight and easily worked lumber. The largest of trees were the major export from the colonies back to England. As relations between England and the colonies degenerated, it be came illegal to use white pine lumber of 24" width or greater in the colonies by order of the King of England. White pine planking of 23" width can be found in many historic New England homes. There seems to have been a lot of this size material available. |
