White Pine

(Pinus strobus)

August 1996

Summary:

Foliage: Evergreen needles
Height: 50 to 80 feet
Spread: 20 to 40 feet
Shape: Upright

White Pine needles are delicate, soft, and light bluish-green. Easily recognized because it is the only commonly grown five-needled pine.

Plant Needs:

Zone: 2 to 8
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Moisture: Wet, moist, or dry
Soil Type: Sandy or loam
pH Range: 3.7 to 6.0

Functions:

Suggested uses for this plant include border, screen, hedge, windbreak, and specimen plant.

Planting Notes:

Transplants readily.
Plant in sunny location, if possible.
Does not tolerate air pollution, heat, drought, or salt; therefore, not a good plant for city conditions or along roads.
Consider the mature height and spread of this tree when selecting a planting location.

Care:

Prune in the spring to increase plant density. Pinch off one-half of the new growth tip.
Do not shear for a hedge.
Test soil and adjust pH according to test results if needles look yellowish.

Problems:

Iron chlorosis may be a problem in high pH soils and causes needles to become yellowish.
White pine weevil kills the young top of the tree which may result in a crooked trunk.
Breakage due to ice storm can be a problem.

Alternatives:

Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.

Cultivars of PINUS STROBUS:
`Fastigiata' (Pyramidal White Pine) is a narrow upright form with narrow crotch (branch) angles.
`Pendula' (Weeping White Pine) has drooping branches.
`Nana' (Dwarf White Pine) is a dwarf globe shaped form.

Comments:

A beautiful, native pine which makes a very handsome specimen.
On favorable sites, White Pine sometimes grows too fast to retain its dense foliage, but this can be overcome by pruning new growth.
May be difficult to grow in the Tidewater area due to summer heat and drought.
Suitable for bonsai.

Additional Materials:

The following Extension publications are available through your local Extension office or directly from: Extension Distribution Center 112 Landsdowne Street Blacksburg, VA 24061
#426-601 "The Art of Bonsai"
#426-500 "Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs"
#426-605 "Selecting Landscape Plants - Conifers"

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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