Studies of Trees | Page 3

the different pines.
In the white pine there are five needles to each cluster, in the pitch pine three, and in the
Scotch pine two. The Austrian pine also has two needles to the cluster, but the difference
in size and character of the needles will distinguish this species from the Scotch pine.
THE WHITE PINE (Pinus strobus)
Distinguishing characters: The tree can be told at close range by the number of needles to
each cluster, Fig. 2. There are *five* needles to each cluster of the white pine. They are
bluish green, slender, and about four inches in length.
At a distance the tree may be told by the *right angles* which the branches form with the
main trunk, Fig. 3. No other pine shows this character.
Form and size: A tall tree, the stateliest of the evergreens.

Range: Eastern North America.
Soil and location: Prefers a deep, sandy soil, but will grow in almost any soil.
Enemies: Sucking insects forming white downy patches on the bark and twigs, the white
pine weevil, a boring insect, and the white pine blister rust, a fungus, are among its
principal enemies.
[Illustration: FIG. 3.--The White Pine.]
Value for planting: Aside from its value as an ornamental tree, the white pine is an
excellent tree to plant on abandoned farms and for woodlands and windbreaks throughout
the New England States, New York, Pennsylvania, and the Lake States.
Commercial value: The wood is easily worked, light, durable, and will not warp. It is
used for naval construction, lumber, shingles, laths, interior finish, wooden ware, etc.
Other characters: The fruit is a cone, four to six inches long.
Comparisons: The tree is apt to be confused with the Bhotan pine (Pinus excelsa), which
is commonly grown as an ornamental tree. The Bhotan pine, however, has needles much
longer and more drooping in appearance.
THE PITCH PINE (Pinus rigida)
Distinguishing characters: Here there are *three* needles to each cluster, Fig. 4. They are
dark, yellowish-green needles about four inches long. The rough-looking branches of the
tree may be seen studded with cones throughout the year, and clusters of leaves may be
seen sprouting directly from the trunk of the tree; see Fig. 5. The last two are very
characteristic and will distinguish the tree at a glance.
Form and size: It is a low tree of uncertain habit and extremely rough looking at every
stage of its life. It is constantly full of dead branches and old cones which persist on the
tree throughout the year.
Range: Eastern United States.
Soil and location: Grows in the poorest and sandiest soils where few other trees will grow.
In New Jersey and on Long Island where it is native, it proves so hardy and persistent that
it often forms pure stands excluding other trees.
[Illustration: FIG. 4.--Twig of the Pitch Pine.]
Enemies: None of importance.
Value for planting: Well adapted for the sea coast and other exposed places. It is of
extremely uncertain habit and is subject to the loss of the lower limbs. It frequently
presents a certain picturesqueness of outline, but it could not be used as a specimen tree

on the lawn.
[Illustration: FIG. 5.--The Pitch Pine.]
Commercial value: The wood is coarse grained and is used for rough lumber, fuel, and
charcoal.
Other characters: The fruit is a cone one to three inches long, persistent on the tree for
several years.
THE SCOTCH PINE (Pinus sylvestris)
Distinguishing characters: There are *two* needles to each cluster, and these are short
compared with those of the white pine, and slightly twisted; see Fig. 6. The bark,
especially along the upper portion of the trunk, is reddish in color.
Form and size: A medium-sized tree with a short crown.
Range: Europe, Asia, and eastern United States.
Soil and location: Will do best on a deep, rich, sandy soil, but will also grow on a dry,
porous soil.
Enemies: In Europe the Scotch pine has several insect enemies, but in America it appears
to be free from injury.
Value for planting: Suitable for windbreaks and woodland planting. Many excellent
specimens may also be found in our parks.
Commercial value: In the United States, the wood is chiefly used for fuel, though slightly
used for barrels, boxes, and carpentry. In Europe, the Scotch pine is an important timber
tree.
Comparisons: The Scotch pine is apt to be confused with the Austrian pine (Pinus
austriaca), because they both have two needles to each cluster. The needles of the
Austrian pine, however, are much longer, coarser, straighter, and darker than those of the
Scotch pine; Fig. 1. The form of the Austrian pine, too, is more symmetrical and
compact.
[Illustration: FIG. 6.--Twig of the Scotch Pine.]
The red pine (Pinus resinosa) is another tree that has two needles to each cluster, but