Eastern white pine--Pinus strobus

Eastern white pine was once the prized wood sought by the British navy for use as ship masts. This species is now used in the log home building industry due to its remarkable durability and ease of working wood. White pine is also favored as a Christmas tree.

The species occurs in patches along the Cumberland Plateau and along ridges and mountains in the Appalachians. Typically, Eastern white pine

• seedlings are intermediately shade tolerant, growing under hardwoods;

• has relatively slow growth in the first three years; and

• can attain a growth rate of 3 ft/yr in the following years.

Eastern white pine prefers cool moist sites and does not flourish under drought conditions. Branches grow from the stem in whorls, where dead branches will often remain on the bole for years after needles have fallen off. This creates difficulties when operating within the stand and potentially poses a fire hazard as woody debris will accumulate on the forest floor. However, this branch structure does promote wildlife by providing protection and cover, especially during times of heavy snowfall.