Pine Trees

Pine trees have a beautiful aroma. 

The smell of fresh pine reminds me of the holiday season approaching with a tree to decorate.  Do you know all the different kinds of pine trees? 

How many different kinds are there? 

What is the largest pine tree? 

Can you find 3 different kinds of pine trees in your climate zone? 

What is your favorite and why?


These are some of the questions I hope you can answer after doing a study on Pine trees.  You are welcome to join us. Collect bark pieces, needles, take pictures, pine cone or "seeds", or wild craft some homemade salve or pitch for splinters as you go through with us.  We'll post as time allows and join us on our first unit this month "Pines".  This is a weekly go by as we go unit, for them finding a "pine" species they want to study.  We are also do a raptor a week with this unit until further notice.  Enjoy!

A help for identifying species of trees/ shrubs- no problem check out this great find HERE.
Here is a great ornithology website packed full of resources: Ornithology

RESPONSE

There are 115+ different kinds of pine trees.  Over 200+ if you count the family species (fir, spruce, hemlock, etc.)

The tallest pine tree is a White Pine Tree.

The largest (diameter) pine tree is the Sugar Pine.

The largest pine cone comes from the Sugar Pine Tree as well.

The heaviest pine cone is from the Coulter Pine tree.  Females cones weigh in around 5 lbs.

The largest needles (or conifer leaves) can be found on the long leaf pine tree.  (Also known as the Yellow pine, Georgia pine,  or Pitch pine.)

The Eastern White Pine is my favorite.  This is the number one tree for lumber in the northern part of the USA.  It is also a beautiful soft white wood.  Beside the lumber the tree has a lot of value.  This tree makes a beautiful home for squirrels, everyday birds and raptors, raccoons, moles, voles, snakes, rabbits, mice and so many more animals that seek shelter in the brutal winters.  The white pine is not only used for lumber and pulp, but also for Native American medicine.  The needles, inner bark, nuts and pitch can be used in crafting, culinary, medicinal and woodworking.  In camping, the needles are a great fire starter, the tree works as a shelter in rain, sleet and snow.  Branches are bendable for crafting snares and survival tools.  These are a few reasons I love the white pine. 

Tree of Study Links:
Pines
White Pine
Red Pine
Jack Pine
Ponderosa Pine
Sugar Pine
Hemlock
Blue Spruce