Eastern White Pine

Eastern White Pine

Pinus strobus

As you face the parking area you will see an eastern white pine on the edge of the sidewalk to your right. This species is easily separated from other native pines because its needles grow in bundles of five, and have a pale, bluish color. When sailing ships ruled the seas, the British and American navies used white pine for their masts. Shipbuilders prized them for their straightness, height and strength. When growing in full sunlight as this one is, white pine bushes out; hence the nickname “cabbage pine.” This species is plagued by several pests, especially white pine blister rust (fungus) and the white pine weevil (insect).