Eastern White Pine

Distinguishing Characteristics: Large evergreen tree with a tall, straight trunk with a narrow, conical shape when young. Has a towering massive trunk. A key distinguishing characteristic of the Eastern pine is the only native 5-needled fascicle, which is a key trait for identification. Its long narrow cone is distinctive in the east. Is called the “Monarch of the eastern forest”. The needles are 2 ½- 5” in length, 5 to a bundle. Soft fine and flexible needles.The cones are 4-8” in length brown often whitened at the end by resin. Hangs from a twig on 1” stalk. Opens at maturity. 

Distribution: Located on the eastern side of the United States.

Uses: Crates, boxes, interior millwork, construction lumber, carving, and boatbuilding. Eastern White Pine is one of the most common and widely used timbers for construction lumber in the northeast United States. The long, straight trunks of Eastern White Pine were once prized for use as ship masts.

Location on Campus: The exact coordinates of the Eastern White Pine on Mount Aloysius's Campus is 40 degrees, 27 minutes, 31 seconds North and 78 degrees, 36 minutes, 8 seconds West at an elevation of 2,030 feet. But if you are familiar with campus, you can find it almost directly in between Cosgrave student center and parking lot 6. 

Photos taken by: Matthew Watkins