Flora of the Southeastern United States

Pinus strobus Linnaeus. Common name: Eastern White Pine. Phenology: Apr; Aug-Sep. Habitat: Moist to dry forests, bottomlands, dry, rocky ridges in humid gorges, also planted in timber plantations. Distribution: Widespread in ne. North America, south to VA, w. and (rarely) c. NC, nw. SC, n. GA, e. TN, KY, IN, n. IL, e. IA, and MN. In NC, a notable relict and disjunct stand of P. strobus occurs on bluffs of the Deep River in the eastern Piedmont of Chatham County; in VA P. strobus is widely but irregularly distributed in the lower Piedmont. Frequently planted beyond its native range.

ID notes: From a distance, Pinus strobus is recognizable from other pine species in our region by its pale blue-green color and candelabra form (from its whorled branching). Close up, the 5-needled fascicles (vs. 2-4-needled) and more "hardwoody" bark (not platey) are also distinctive features.

Origin/Endemic status: Native

Other Comments: Pinus strobus was probably the tallest tree in e. North America, reaching heights of 60-70 meters. Historically, it was a very important timber tree.

Synonymy ⓘ: = Ar, C, Can, F, FNA2, G, Il, K4, Mi, Mo1, NE, NS, NY, Pa, POWO, RAB, Tat, Tn, Va, W, WV, Price (1989); = Strobus strobus (L.) Small — S, S13; > Pinus strobus L. ssp. cumberlandensis Silba — Silba (2011); > Pinus strobus L. ssp. strobus — Silba (2011). Basionym: Pinus strobus L. 1753

Links to other floras: = Pinus strobus - FNA2

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Wetland Indicator Status:

• Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FACU
• Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: FACU
• Great Plains: FACU
• Midwest: FACU
• Northcentral & Northeast: FACU

Heliophily ⓘ: 5