State Tree & Flower - White Pine and White Pine Cone & Tassel
White Pine. Adopted by the Legislature of 1945.
White
pine cone and tassel (Pinus strobus, linnaeus). Adopted by the Legislature
of 1895. The White pine is considered to be the largest conifer in the
northeastern United States. Leaves (needles) are soft, flexible and
bluish-green to silver green in color and are regularly arranged in bundles
of five. Needles are 2 1/2-5 inches long and are usually shed at the end
of the second growing season. Flowers (strobili) occur on the tree.
Cones are 4-8 inches in length, usually slightly curved. Cone scales
are thin and never have prickles. Cones also have a fragrant gummy
resin.
