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  5. Pine
   

    Pine

    Scientific Name: Pinus; Pinus strobus, Pinus echinata
    Common Name: Pine; Eastern White Pine, Shortleaf Pine
    Plant Family: Pinaceae 

    Etymology: No clear answer as to where Pinus originated but theories range from the word “pix” meaning pitch or tar, a common product of pine trees; or “pitu” meaning sap, resin, or juice.

    Traditional Uses 

    Indigenous communities used the trunks of pine trees as dugout canoes, using the resin mixed with beeswax to seal their canoes. Boiling the bark made a liquid that would help wounds heal. This liquid was also used as a cough suppressant. In times when food was scarce, the inner bark was eaten.

    Medicinal Uses

    Indigenous communities used boiled bark as a cough suppressant and for healing wounds.

    Edible Parts  

    Most parts of the Eastern White Pine are edible as the inner bark can be made into flour, the needles can be brewed into tea, the pollen can be used as a thickening agent in soups, pine nuts are great either raw or roasted, and the young pinecones can be used as a seasoning. Pine trees are very high in Vitamin C. Other pine species should be thoroughly researched as shortleaf pines are less edible and some may consider toxic.

    Gathering and Using  

    Any time of the year can be a good time to collect, but it does depend. Pollen should be collected in the spring, as well as young pinecones. Furthermore, younger needles will taste fresher, so it is advised to collect those in either spring or fall. Sap is also collected in the spring.

    Permaculture Functions and Considerations 

    Pine trees tend to change the chemistry of the area they are planted in by lowering the pH and creating strong shade and dry conditions beneath them. They do act as a wonderful windbreak and are a great backdrop to most areas. With their high Vitamin C content and multiple edible parts, it is a great genus to include in gardens or yards.

    How to Identify 

    All Pinus species are evergreen with needle-like leaves and produce cones. The needles are bunched together in either clusters of five for the Eastern White Pine or bundles of 2 or 3 for the other species including Shortleaf Pine.

    Wildlife Support

    Pinus are a very important genus of trees to plant as they have leaves up year-round. Fireflies are especially fond of pines and pines are known to give both shelter and habitat to several birds and mammals such as squirrels, quail, turkey, songbirds, and woodpeckers.

    Additional Information 

    The genus Pinus can either be a pioneer species, quickly thriving in disturbed areas, or be a part of a mature, climax forest. Some Pinus are fire dependent and can survive and thrive when fire burns through an area.

    Sources 

    Plant profile by Zach Osucha '25