Description
Pinus strobus (Eastern White Pine) Seeds
Zones: 3 to 8.
Native to eastern North America.
The Eastern White pine is a majestic conifer that grows in an oval or pyramidal shape. It eventually grows to be a very large tree and needs lots of room, so it should be planted away from power lines and buildings. It can be planted as a specimen on larger landscapes, in group plantings, for natural habitat restoration and shelterbelts. It features long, slender, blue-green needles, reaching 5″ in length, grown in bundles of 5 that are soft and flexible. It produces elongated brown cones that are 3–8 inches (7.5 – 20 cm) in length. Cones are curved slightly and have smooth scales. It prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade when young. It can tolerate a variety of soils, but prefers sandy loam. The Eastern White pine provides food and cover for small animals and birds.
Size: Height 50 to 80 ft; Width 20 to 40 ft.
Germination Instructions
Stratification: Provide about 60 days cold, moist stratification at 3° C (37° F) to 5° C (41° F).
- Soak seeds in water for 24 hours.
- Place seeds in sandwich bag(s) with a bit of damp sand or vermiculite to keep moist.
- Place the bag(s) with seeds in refrigerator for about 60 days.
- After the required time take the seeds out of the refrigerator and sow the seeds in pots 1/4 inch deep and cover lightly. Water gently so as not to wash away the seeds. Keep soil moist but not wet.
