Winter Fields and Forests- A Backyard Nature Journal

Pinus strobus- Eastern White Pine

	Eastern White Pine is a coniferous tree common in Maine and New England. It is abundant on our property, mainly in the higher and drier areas. Branches on mature trees extend horizontally from the tree irregularly. In dense forest, the needled branches reach up to the top of the canopy in search of sunlight, leaving the lower and middle trunk bare of foliage.
	In the fall of 2008, we notice a lot of pine cones littering the yard and driveway and wondered why there were so many compared to previous years. This overproduction of seeded fruit is called masting, and is the plant's way of ensuring reproductive success. Cone scales bear two seeds, one for the bird or animal that is looking for food and the other to fall to the ground and germinate into a seedling. Even hungry creatures won't consume all the seeds produced in a mast year.
Using a hand lens for magnification, we removed the scales in search of the seeds. Looking for, and finding the small details, helps to learn about the plants.
	The twig is sticky with resin.
Unlike other pine species, the needle bundle, or fascicle, of white pine bears five needles. This is distinctive and unique to the white pine.