White Pine vs. Red Pine: Identification and Commercial Value

Asks how to distinguish white pine from red pine and which is commercially more valuable.

Red Pine (Pinus resinosa)

• Native: Lake States, New England, SE Canada.
• Bark: bright orange-red, large plates.
• Needles: 4-6", bundles of 2, snap cleanly when bent.
• Cones: egg-shaped, 2-2.25", smooth scales.
• Height: 50-80 ft; DBH: 1-3 ft.

White Pine (Pinus strobus)

• Bark: smooth gray young, dark furrowed plates old.
• Needles: 2-4", bundles of 5, soft, flexible.
• Cones: 3-10", slender, thornless.
• Height: 80-110 ft; spread 20-40 ft.
• Longevity: 200-450 years.

Commercial Value

Both are important regionally. For detailed market analysis, consult forestry.about.com (Steve Nix).