Location: Meadows, Gallery, Env Center

White pines, Pinus strobus, are evergeen conifers which can grow 2 feet a year and reach a height of over 160 feet. At one time, old growth white pines covered much of the Northeastern United States, but today, only 1% of that expanse remains. White pines can be identified by their needles, which are produced in bunches of five. If you look closely, you may see white lines on the surface of the needles: these are stomata and are responsible for the tree's gas exchange system (carbon dioxide in, oxygen out). The white pine is established throughout Maryland, but its range has expanded south and east during the past 40 years, due in part to climate change.