Looking for an ornamental tree that can also be used for timber? Look no further than Pinus strobus, also known as the eastern white pine, white pine, northern white pine, Weymouth pine, and soft pine. This large pine is native to eastern North America and has blue-green needles that can grow up to 4 inches long. It prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade, making it a versatile addition to any landscape. Some white pines can live over 400 years, making them a wise investment. Not only is this tree a great specimen or screen plant, but it is also an important timber tree. Its wood is especially suited for making the masts of ships but can also be used for lumber, cheap furniture, and house interiors. Its needles can be brewed into an aromatic tea that is rich in vitamins A and C, while its sap and resin have antiseptic and medicinal properties. This tree prefers well-drained soil and cool, humid climates but can grow in boggy areas and rocky highlands. It towers over all other trees in mixed forests and provides food and shelter for forest birds and small mammals. Only one percent of the original white pine forests remain untouched by extensive logging operations in the 1700s and 1800s, so consider adding a Pinus strobus to your landscape and help preserve this important species.