Pine tree is the largest group of conifers. It is a cone bearing tree that scattered throughout the Northern Hemisphere. There are only four different kinds of pine, larch, spruce, hemlock and fir. They differ from pine genus that comprised 80 different pines and 35 are native to the United States. Pine trees stay green in all seasons, or it is called evergreen tree.

Pine leaves are shaped like needles that grow in two or five bundles. Pine leaves stay long, sometimes through two years or more. The base of leaves bundle covering is called sheath, a scaly covering that holds the buds. The pine fruit is a woody cone that takes two years to mature.

Eastern WHITE PINE was the most common but important tree in the United States. They grow mostly from Minnesota to Maine. It is slender, blue-green needles grow in bundles of five with thin, 5 inches scaled cones and grow more than 200 feet. It is a state tree of Maine and Michigan; while the Western WHITE PINE (same characteristics as of eastern white pine) is the state tree of Idaho. Both are widely planted for timber and ornamental trees.

SUGAR PINE is another kind of pines that considered the largest of all pines. They grow up to 246 feet with 10 feet in diameter. They grow mostly in the mountain of California and Oregon. Their cones range from 10 to 26 long, frequently used for decorations. Sugar pines are best for timber because of its large trunk.

SOUTHERN HARD PINES or YELLOW PINES are famous for their pulp and lumber. They are also good source of turpentine and resin. There are 4 kinds of Hard Pines or Yellow Pines, they are:

1. Longleaf Pine can be found in from North Carolina to Louisiana. Their dark green needles are flexible that reach to 18 inches long. Because this pine has a strong timber, it is usually used in ship, bridges and railroad cars.
2. Shortleaf Pine is found from New York to Texas. This pine has a short leaf and small cone. Shortleaf pine lumber is used for boxes, crates, and paper pulp.
3. Loblolly Pine grows from New Jersey to Texas. It is the most important pine in the south for its fragrance and timber used. It is the largest pine in the south, the height reach up to 115 feet with 5 feet in diameter. The yellowish, resinous lumber is highly prize and also used for pulp fiber.
4. Slash Pine grows from South Carolina to Louisiana. It is the most popular pine for turpentine and resin source and also an important source of lumber and paper pulp. It is a fast growing pine but does not stay long as a standard pine. It mostly thrives in a humid, swampy place. The height of slash pine reaches up to 60 to 100 feet long with 2 to 3 feet in diameter.

Pine trees have different characteristics and usefulness. They are important in both ornamental and lumber products. But there is only one thing that made this tree wonderful, it is an evergreen tree; it gives a feeling and sign of life, for it is continued to be green in all season.

References: The World Book Encyclopedia and Internet Web Search - Pine Trees

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