Eastern White Pine is the largest pine tree
in Virginia. It grows over 100 feet and has
a straight trunk up to four feet wide. The
species was imported in 1620 from
England by Captain George Weymouth,
who planted it for a timber crop, but had
little success because of White Pine Blister
Rust disease.
Old growth pine in the Americas, of
various Pinus species, was a highly
desired wood since huge, knot-free boards
were the rule rather than the exception.
White Pine
Pine was common and easy to cut, thus
many colonial homes used pine for
paneling, floors and furniture. Pine was
also a favorite tree of loggers since pine
logs can still be processed in a lumber mill
a year or more after being cut down. Pines
make great pioneer species due to its rapid
growth.
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Pinus strobus
- Needles are five per node
- Long, thin needles between 3-4”
- Long, oval shaped, cones 3-6”
Smaller specimens are popular as live
Christmas Trees. Eastern white pines are
noted for holding their needles well, even
long after being harvested. They also are
well suited for people with allergies, as
they give little to no aroma.