EASTERN WHITE PINE

EASTERN WHITE PINE (Pinus strobus)

The abundance and value of eastern white pine in Maine has caused it to be known as the: Pine Tree State. The designation has also resulted from Legislative action. Title 1 MRSA Sec. 211 originated with Resolves 1895 Chap. 3, approved Feb. 1, 1895, which stated "Resolved, That the Pine Cone and Tassel is hereby declared to be the floral emblem for Maine, in the National Garland of Flowers." Title 1 MRSA Sec. 208 originated with Resolves 1945 Chap. 8, effective July 21,1945, which stated "Resolved: That the white pine tree be, and hereby is, designated the official tree of the State of Maine."

The availability and high quality of white pine lumber played an important part in the development and economy of Maine since 1605, when Captain George Weymouth of the British Royal Navy collected samples here and brought them back to England for display. Shortage of ship-masts in Europe led to England's Broad Arrow Policy in 1691, whereby pines 24 inches or more in diameter within 3 miles of water were blazed with the "mark of the broad arrow"; such trees to be reserved for use in the Royal Navy. The term "King's Pine" originated from this policy. Most of the accessible virgin pine was cut by1850. Lumber production reached its peak in1909 but white pine is still the principal lumber species and continues to contribute greatly to the economy of the state.

White pine occurs in all localities in the state in moist situations, on uplands, and on sandy soil, but develops best on fertile, well-drained soils. On sandy soil it often becomes established in pure, or nearly pure forests or groves. It is the major species planted in the state.

The tree grows rapidly both in height and diameter, making an average height growth of one foot each year.

When growing in the open, the young tree is symmetrical and conical in outline. In the forest it has a narrow head, and the trunk is commonly free of branches for a considerable portion of its length. Old forest trees have a broad and some-what irregular head. The branches are horizontal, and in regular whorls, usually of 5 each. Very old trees often become very irregular and picturesque. The trunk tapers gradually, and the tree often attains a height of 100 feet. Commonly it is from 70-80 feet tall, and has a diameter of 1-3 feet.

The bark of young trees is smooth and thin, green with a reddish brown tinge over-all, or brown in spots. On old, trees, it is from 1-2 inches thick, very dark, and divided into broad, flat ridges by shallow fissures.

Leaves are in clusters of 5, flexible, from 3-5 inches long, bluish green but whitish on one side. The papery sheath at the base of the new needle clusters falls in late August.

The cones are 4-8 inches long, cylindrical and borne on a long stalk. They take 2 years to mature and open to discharge the seed shortly after ripening in late August through September of the second season. The wood is light in color, and durable except when in contact with the soil. It is soft, not heavy, and is easily worked.

The wood is used for cabinet making, sash and door manufacture, pattern making, furniture, box boars, interior and exterior finish, boat planking, pulp, and wood flour.