Page 27 - Forest Trees of Maine

P The Important Distinctions

PINE
Eastern White Pine Red Pine Pitch Pine
Pinus strobus Pinus resinosa Pinus rigida
NEEDLES

NUMBER/ 5 2 3
CLUSTER
Stout, not flexible, usually twisted,
DESCRIPTION Slender, flexible, 3–5 inches Straight, flexible, 4–6 inches grow at right angles
to the branchlets, 3–5 inches

COLOR Bluish-green Dark green Dark yellow-green
SHEATH Shed in late August Persists Persists

CONES
1
1
1
1
LENGTH 4–8 inches 1 ⁄2–2 ⁄4 inches 1 ⁄2–3 ⁄2 inches
Borne on a short stalk, having
Borne on short stalks; scales
Borne on a long stalk; thin smooth without prickles. Several basal prickles on the cone scales, flat-
DESCRIPTION based when completely open.
scales without prickles scales remain on branches Often remain on branches
when cone drops.
for 10–12 years.
Jack Pine Scots Pine
Pinus banksiana Pinus sylvestris
NEEDLES

NUMBER/
CLUSTER 2 2

Stout, flat, twisted, Stout, stiff, twisted,
DESCRIPTION 3 ⁄4–1 ⁄2 inches 1 ⁄2–3 inches
1
1
Light yellow-green, later
COLOR Dull blue-green
becoming dark green

SHEATH Persists Persists

CONES

1
LENGTH 1 ⁄2–2 inches 1–2 inches
Much curved inward,
without stalk. Prickles minute. Egg shape, borne on a short stalk,
DESCRIPTION
Often remain on branches scales with occasional prickles.
for many years.
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