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Known as the Algonquin Highlands’ tallest growing tree. The White Pine is the provincial tree of Ontario, and also the state tree of Maine and Michigan. The White Pine was and still is a very important part of our history. During the 18th and 19th Century the White Pine was logged heavily for use as ship masts, building materials, and furniture. Because this tree was logged so heavily regeneration has been very trying for the species. The lack of seed trees and the destruction of seedlings and saplings by forest fires has left very few uncut stands.
White Pines have been known to reach a very old age. Trees have reached ages exceeding 400 years. They are most commonly known to reach the age of 200. The White Pine is mostly associated with rocky lakeshores, exposed cliff tops, and other odd locations (occasionally bogs). Thriving on well-drained soils and cool, humid climate, the White Pine will grow on nearly all soil types. The White Pine is the only five-needle pine native to eastern North America. One of the easiest ways to identify it is by its commonly “windblown” or asymmetrical look and its large, long cones.
Production on cones usually begins when the tree reaches the age of 5-10 years, but good seed production does not occur until the age of 20-30 years. Seeds are predominately dispersed by wind and can travel up to 60 metres within a stand and up to 210 metres in the open. Mature trees can be found 40 metres or more in height.
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