Eastern white pine Pinus strobus
Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Pinaceae family, native to Eastern North America. It grows 15–30 m (49–98 ft) tall and 6–10 m (20–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -37 °C (-35 °F). Space plants about 7 m (23 ft) apart.
Plan Eastern white pine in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Eastern white pine at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 m (49–98 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 7 m (23 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -37 °C (-35 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: young needles (tea), inner bark (emergency food) |
| Native to | Eastern North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇨🇦 Canada |
Is Eastern white pine toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: needles, resin
Needles and resin can cause mild stomach upset in pets; needle tea is a traditional drink for people.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Eastern white pine
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- avoid With Blackcurrant: White pine blister rust alternates between five-needle pines and currants/gooseberries; some US states restrict planting Ribes near white pines. Evidence B
- caution With Redcurrant: White pine blister rust alternates between five-needle pines and Ribes; redcurrants are less susceptible than blackcurrants but can still host it. Evidence B
- avoid With Gooseberry: White pine blister rust alternates between five-needle pines and gooseberries; keep them well apart. Evidence B
Shared pests and diseases
- White pine blister rust: Alternates between five-needle pines and currants or gooseberries. Evidence B
See Eastern white pine in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden (1 plants)
- New York Botanical Garden (3 plants)
Questions about Eastern white pine
- How far apart should I plant Eastern white pine?
- About 7 m (23 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
- Does Eastern white pine need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Eastern white pine need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Eastern white pine?
- It tolerates about -37 °C (-35 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Eastern white pine flower?
- From about May for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Eastern white pine poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Needles and resin can cause mild stomach upset in pets; needle tea is a traditional drink for people.
- What grows well with Eastern white pine?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Eastern white pine. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Soft-needled pine with brittle limbs, sensitive to road salt, ozone and air pollution.
- Alternate hosts of white pine blister rust (Ribes: currants and gooseberries) should be kept at a distance.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Colorado blue spruce Picea pungens
- Japanese black pine Pinus thunbergii
- Scots pine Pinus sylvestris
- Norway spruce Picea abies
- Siberian larch Larix sibirica
- Two-needle piñon Pinus edulis
- Lacebark pine Pinus bungeana