Conifer Trees

Eastern White Pine - Pinus Strobus - State tree of several states. Of all the native conifers calling eastern North America home, this tree is the tallest. It towers at 150 feet and lives as long as 450 years-sometimes longer. It most likely used to grow even taller and older before the colonist arrived. The current champion in Maine is 120 feet tall, has a trunk circumference of 245 inches, and a crown spread of 80 feet!

Eastern white pine's bark is smooth and gray on young trees, becoming broken into small plates when mature. The root system is deep, 40 inches or so, with spreading laterals and has no distinct tap root. The needles are 3-5 inches long, bundled in 5's and dark green. They are soft, flexible, fine and persist to the second year. Beginning at age 5-10, curved, 4-8 inch long spine free cones start growing. Male strobili open and disperse pollen from April to June, depending on location. It will take 2 years for cones to mature. Seeds are typical of pines in their small size, .08 inches, brown color and single winged.

Balsam Fir - Abies balsamea - 45-75' One of the most abundant of our native conifers. Twigs, inner bark, needles and sap are all medicinal. Small “blisters” contain a transparent aromatic resin that has been traditionally used as an inhalant for headaches and congestion, and as a salve for cuts and arthritis. Needle tea is rich in vitamin C. The fragrant boughs are a favorite for wreaths; the needles used in scented pillows and potpourri. The best of all conifers for a Christmas tree! Narrow, conical, smooth-barked. Prefers well-drained moist acid soil. Avoid polluted areas. Semi-shade tolerant, slow growing. Good hedge or specimen tree, songbird nesting area or rabbit thicket.

Norway Spruce - Picea abies - 60 feet; A very popular and durable spire-shaped evergreen, excellent for articulation; interesting droopy branches when mature, rich deep green needles; tough and hardy, good for windbreaks, will grow quite large under the right conditions