Also called Eastern White Pine, this very tall species has long been an important timber tree in its native North America, including in New England’s settlement and development. Introduced to Britain in 1605 by Captain George Weymouth (1585-1612).

Native to eastern North America, from Newfoundland through Canada, to the Great Lakes region of the USA.

Monoecious.

Very tall (to 80m). Bark dark grey. Foliage in flattened sprays. Needles in fives, slender, 8-12cm. Cones to 20cm, slender, leathery and often resin-spotted, some scales curving out. Compare with Macedonian Pine.

Although it yields very fine timber, white pine blister rust has decimated it in its native range and in Europe. American tree-improvement work has bred some rust resistance. In future it could be a valuable forest tree in north-west Europe on sheltered, fertile, well-drained sites.

No special associations.

White pine blister rust.

Timber, if resistance to rust can be developed.