Species eastern white pine
Medium-sized, upright form with soft, blue-green needles and textured reddish-brown bark

eastern white pine

Pinus strobus 'Macopin'

Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus 'Macopin') is a large evergreen conifer native to North America. Its attractive smooth bark is pale grey and forms an attractive frame for the soft bluish-green needles. With its dense, picturesque foliage, eastern white pine is an excellent choice for windbreak, or as a privacy screen in the yard. It is tolerant of most soil conditions, and grows best in moist, well-drained soil. It is also resistant to deer and other browsing animals and is a popular and easy-to-grow tree. Its careful pruning can help promote good branch structure and vigorous growth, allowing this majestic conifer to reach heights of up to 80 feet.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Sandy Loamy Rocky

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Eastern white pines should be watered deeply once or twice per week, depending on the weather and season. During warmer, dryer months, it may need to be watered more frequently. Make sure the soil is getting wet several inches down, not just moistening the surface layer. To water correctly, slowly pour or trickle water onto the soil until it begins to drain out the bottom of the pot. Allow the excess water to drain away before setting the plant back in its spot. Avoid overwatering, as Eastern white pines are vulnerable to root rot.

sunlight

Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus 'Macopin') prefers full sun, which is defined as 6 or more hours of direct sunlight per day. In general, eastern white pine enjoys a sunny spot from morning till mid afternoon and prefers some kind of light afternoon shade. Additionally, if grown in shade for too long, the plant may fail to thrive.

pruning

Pruning of Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus 'Macopin') should be done yearly, and should start when the tree is young in order to create a strong structure and improve its health. In the early years, pruning should focus on the overall structure, removing dead and diseased growth, and cutting off any crossing and rubbing branches. Once the tree is in its mature shape, additional pruning may be needed to maintain its form, remove any dead or crossing branches, and thin out the inside of the tree to allow light and circulation. Pruning should be done either late in the winter or very early in the spring, before the new season’s growth begins.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Eastern white pine typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map