WHITZ PINE (Pinus strobus L.)
THE white pine occurs naturally throughout the
1mountainous lands in eastern Kentucky, but is
nowhere abundant. It grows on high, dry, sandy and
rocky ridges, but prefers the cooler or moister situa-
tions. Its straight stem, regular pyramidal shape
and soft gray-green foliage make it universally ap-
preciated as an ornamental tree. Its rapid growth















                  WHITE PINE
               One-third natural size
and hardiness, and the high quality of the wood
rnake it one of the most desirable trees for forest
planting.
  The trunk is straight, and, when growing in the
forest, clear of branches for many feet. The branches
extend horizontally in whorls (i. e., arranged in a
circle on the stem), marking the successive years
of upward growth. The bark is thin and greenish
red on young trees, but thick, deeply furrowed and
grayish brown on older trees. The tree commonly
attains heights of 50 to 60 feet and diameters of
1 to 2 feet, though much larger specimens are still
to be found.
  The leaves, or needles, are 3 to 5 inches in length,
bluish green on the upper surface and whitish be-
neath, and occur in bundles of 5, which distinguishes
it from all other eastern pines. The cone, or fruit,
is 4 to 6 inches long, cylindrical, with thin, usually
very gummy scales, containing small, winged seeds
which require two years to mature.
  The wood is light, soft, not strong, light brown in
color, often tinged with red, and easily worked. The
lumber is in large demand for construction pur-
poses, box boards, matches and many other products.
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