eastern white pine

Plant Type

Large Tree (greater than 25 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

50-80 ft. tall
20-40 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Drought

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed

Plant Propagation Notes

Cold moist stratify seeds for 60 days.

Plant Planting Notes

Provide up to 40 ft spacing.

Plants/Diseases

Susceptible to several pathogens and insect issues, such as blight, canker, rust, white pine weevil, bark beetles, and white pine shoot borer among others. White pine blister rust is usually fatal.

Wildlife Benefits

Host plant for butterfly larvae, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Typically five needles per fascicle, flexible and smooth; 3-6 inches long

Flowers

Male strobili are yellow. Female strobili are green with a bit of red.

Fruit

Cones cylindrical, brown, and resinous.

Bark

Deeply furrowed, dark brown, red, or grey bark.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Dry, Medium

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Usually dry, but sometimes moist forests, rocky ridges, and humid gorges.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Extremely rare and not native to the South Carolina coastal plain or sandhills. Rare in the piedmont. Common in the mountains.