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|  | | Eastern White PinePinus strobus L. | |
Eastern white pine are large (>40 m) trees which historically were prized for their use as ships' masts. Cones are shed soon after maturity and the seeds are edible. It is the provincial tree of Ontario.
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|  | | Jack PinePinus banksiana Lamb. | |
The bark of Jack pine is an important food source for porcupines. Squirrels harvest Jack pine cones for their seeds, which are full of protein. Cones are serotinous, which means that they remain closed until the heat of a fire opens them. They are also usually curved, pointing toward the ends of the branches. Jack pine is the official tree of the Northwest Territories.
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|  | | Limber PinePinus flexilis James | |
Limber pine is a high elevation, long-lived species (>350 years) which grows as far up as the treeline. It is an important tree for wildlife as many small birds and mammals eat its seeds and deer browse on the foliage.
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|  | | Lodge Pole PinePinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. Engelm. | |
Lodgepole pine trees are the most widespread trees in British Columbia. Their cones often remain closed for years until they are opened by the heat of forest fires. In the springtime, the First Peoples mashed and boiled the inner bark to make bread and collected the sweet, orange flavoured sap as a treat. It is the provincial tree of Alberta.
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|  | | Pitch PinePinus rigida Mill. | |
Pitch pine grows back (coppices) from its own stumps if they have been cut or severely injured by fire. It was once used as a source of resin, turpentine and tar.
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|  | | Ponderosa PinePinus ponderosa Laws. | |
Ponderosa pine is a large (>50 m) tree that thrives in areas which are periodically burned. Mature bark is thick, cinnamon-red in colour, and protects trees from surface fires. Cones and bark make quick hot fires.
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|  | | Red PinePinus resinosa Ait. | |
Red pine has stout primary branches which are distinctly whorled with an orange-red-brown colour. It has deep wide-spreading roots.
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|  | | Shore PinePinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. | |
Shore pine is variety of lodgepole pine, and grows along the coastal regions of British Columbia. It is quite tolerant of salt spray and its cones open and release their seed upon maturity. The First Peoples used this tree as food, for medicines, and for a variety of other general utilitarian uses.
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|  | | Western White PinePinus monticola Dougl. | |
Western white pine are large (>40 m) trees which can live for more than 400 years. It is susceptible to white pine blister rust. The First Peoples used the bark and resin for medicinal purposes.
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|  | | Whitebark PinePinus albicaulis Engelm. | |
Whitebark pine is a high elevation, slow growing, long-lived species (>425 years) which grows as far up as the treeline. The seeds of whitebark pine are wingless, and a bird called Clark's Nutcracker assists with seed dispersal.
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