Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus
Pinaceae
Photo by Placeholder via System Generated • CC0 (2025-05-28)
Description
Eastern White Pine is the tallest tree in northeastern forests and New York's state tree. Once dominant before logging, it's making a comeback in Buffalo area forests. Its soft, bluish-green needles in bundles of five make it easy to identify.
Characteristics
Leaf Type
needle
Leaf Shape
needles in bundles of 5, 3-5 inches long
Height
80-100 feet
Bark
smooth gray-green when young, dark and furrowed with age
Fruit
long curved cones 4-8 inches
Identification Tips
- • Only eastern pine with 5 needles per bundle
- • Needles are soft and flexible
- • Young bark smooth and gray-green
- • Cones are long and curved
- • Whorled branching pattern
Seasonal Changes
Spring
New growth appears as light green 'candles'
Summer
Soft bluish-green needles provide year-round color
Fall
Some older needles yellow and drop
Winter
Evergreen needles and cones persist
Habitat & Growing Conditions
Hardiness Zones
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Soil Preference
well-drained, sandy, loamy
Sun Requirements
full sun
Image Gallery
Leaves
Photo by Placeholder via System Generated • CC0
Winter
Photo by Placeholder via System Generated • CC0