Pinus strobus

Pinus strobus (Weymouth pine) is found in the cool, damp forests of the Eastern United States and South-Eastern Canada, along with, amongst others, Acer rubrum and Betula alleghaniensis. In the so-called Virgin forests Weymouth pines reached heights of sixty metres but were felled for their valuable, light-coloured timber. In 1605, the ornamental tree was introduced in England by English explorer George Weymouth. Juvenile trees have a narrow crown which later becomes wide pyramidal with age, eventually becoming flattened with horizontal branching. Pinus strobus forms a good upright trunk and in cultivation reaches a height of between fifteen and twenty-five metres by eight to twelve metres across.

The blue-green and very soft, paintbrush-like needles of the Weymouth pine are arranged in bundles of five. The fragrant needles stay on the tree for between two and three years. In May, Pinus strobus produces inconspicuous yellow male and violet-red female inflorescences arranged in clusters. These are followed by long brown cones up to twenty centimetres in length, they are slightly curved and covered with white resin drops. Cones are produced even on young trees and open in the second year after flowering. Juvenile examples of Pinus strobus have a smooth, greyish green bark which changes to darker greyish brown as the trunk ages and the bark also develops long, deep furrowed ridges.

In nature, the Weymouth pine chiefly grows alone in damp forest areas but can also be found in large groups in drier, challenging climates. The tree functions as a pioneer species in full sun but its ultimate size means it also occurs in climax forests. Pinus strobus grows well in semi-shade, is resistant to air pollution and very hardy. It thrives on many different soil types provided these are acidic and well-drained. Its ultimate size means that Pinus strobus is only suitable for planting in parks and large gardens where it will make a real statement as an elegant pine.