Pinus strobus aka Eastern White Pine

Taxonomy

Genus Pinus Family Pinaceae Order Pinales Class Pinopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Pinus strobus, also known as the eastern white pine, northern white pine, white pine, Weymouth pine (British), and soft pine, is a large pine tree native to eastern North America. It can be found from Newfoundland, Canada, through the Great Lakes region to southeastern Manitoba and Minnesota in the United States, and south along the Appalachian Mountains and upper Piedmont to northernmost Georgia. The Haudenosaunee Native Americans named it the "Tree of Peace", while in the UK, it is known as the "Weymouth pine" after Captain George Weymouth of the British Royal Navy, who brought its seeds to England from Maine in 1605. The eastern white pine belongs to the Pinus subgenus Strobus and has flexible, bluish-green leaves that occur in bundles of five, occasionally three or four. The leaves are finely serrated and 5-13 cm long, and the fascicle sheaths persist for 18 months. The seed cones are slender, 8-16 cm long, and have scales with a rounded apex and slightly reflexed tip. The seeds are 4-5 mm long, with a slender 15-20 mm wing, and are dispersed by wind. Cone production peaks every 3-5 years. Mature eastern white pines can live to over 400 years, with some trees in Michigan and Wisconsin dated to approximately 500 years old. The branches are spaced about every 18 inches on the trunk, with 5-6 branches appearing like spokes on a wagon wheel. Eastern white pine is self-fertile, but seeds produced this way tend to result in weak, stunted, and malformed seedlings. While relatively rare as a houseplant, Eastern White Pine is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. Eastern White Pine likes well-draining soil and should be repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Eastern White Pine, White Pine, Weymouth Pine

How to care for Eastern White Pine

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Eastern White Pine is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Eastern White Pine should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Eastern White Pine loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Eastern White Pine requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Eastern White Pine will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Eastern White Pine is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Eastern White Pine’s native range is Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to Manitoba, south to Georgia.

More info:
Wikipedia

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