Species eastern white pine
compact, small tree with dense gray-green foliage

eastern white pine

Pinus strobus (Nana Group)

Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus (Nana Group)) is a robust evergreen conifer that offers an attractive addition to landscapes. This pine is a hardy species known for its dense foliage and beautiful blue-green needles. Its needles can grow up to five inches long and are soft to the touch. The Eastern white pine has a dome-like shape and can reach heights of up to 50 feet and live for several centuries. It's a popular choice for windbreaks and screen plants thanks to its upright form and ability to grow in most soils; however, it requires moist soil. The Eastern white pine is a moderate grower and has few pest problems, which makes it a great choice for low-maintenance landscapes.

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:

Moderate

watering

Eastern white pine is a hardy plant species that typically does not require frequent watering. Water about once or twice a week in the warmer months (April-August), providing enough water to saturate the soil down to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. During the cooler months (September-March), watering will typically not be necessary, unless the soil is dry. Water until the soil is saturated each time, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root damage or rot.

sunlight

Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus [Nana Group]) will require full sun to grow and thrive. Ideally, this plant species should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal health. During the hottest times of the day, which would be late morning and early afternoon, the sun should be the most intense and the plant will benefit most from this exposure. In areas with milder climates, the plant can receive full sun for the entire day with few issues. In areas with hotter climates, the plant should be given some shade later in the day to avoid burning the foliage.

pruning

Pruning is an important component of caring for Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus (Nana Group)); however, pruning should be done at the right time and with light intensity to ensure healthy growth. Pruning should be done in the dormant season (late fall or early spring) as this will be the least disruptive to growth and budding. When pruning Eastern White Pine, the amount and intensity should be light to moderate. This type of tree can be pruned to its natural shape and to encourage dense, symmetrical growth. The lower branches should be selectively pruned, starting from 4 to 5 feet off the ground and dating branches that are crossing or growing in the wrong direction. To help the tree retain its natural shape, the tips of the branches should be lightly trimmed to promote side branching and symmetrical growth. Overall, Eastern White Pine should be lightly and selectively pruned during the dormant season to help promote healthy growth and maintain its natural shape.

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