White Pine Research Paper

Words: 1494
Pages: 6

Eastern white pine the most economically, ecologically and culturally valuable species of New England. The species’ range stretches from southeastern Canada, following down the Appalachian Mountains to northern Georgia and northwestern South Carolina. In addition to being a popular lumber product, white pine is the Maine state tree and its cones the state flower (1), which add to its cultural importance and acceptance for the state of Maine where $8 billion of Maine’s GDP is from the forest products sector (17). White pine also provides a habitat and food source for bears, squirrels, rodents, and birds with the ability to tolerate and occupy a multitude of sites another species may not (2, 3). White pine can grow on most soils, but the species grows better in sandy, loamy soils that are dry or well drained. The understory vegetation in white pine stands varies widely, which is very typical of a pure white pine stand or a mixed forest stands with multiple other species. White pines are typically and most commonly found to be in mature forests that contain conifers and hardwoods such as red oak, white ash, hemlock, maples, and beech (14).

The species is an integral component in maintaining soil stability of forest watershed hydrology, leading the tree to symbolize strength, perseverance, and
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For example, increases in temperature or precipitation changes may more likely favor the pathogen’s survival and simultaneously decrease the tree’s energy, thus decreasing the ability to defend themselves against pathogens. Increased drought is especially troubling for white pine, because excessively drained soils increase stress (15). Alternatively, high soil moisture is also a major stressor on white pine, resulting in the decreased vigor of tree species that are effected in these conditions