EASTERN JUNIPER, Juniperus virginiana
Characterized by its flat scale-like leaves and blue berry-like seed cones, the Juniper tree is a pioneer species, meaning that it is the first to grow after an area is burnt, cleared, or otherwise damaged. It is often found in prairies and along highways. This tree can live to be over 900 years! The juniper berry is an important winter food for birds and is also used to make gin. The Eastern Juniper is native to eastern North America. As you travel further West, it is replaced by the Rocky Mountain Juniper. The Rocky Mountain Juniper has similar scale-like leaves and blue berry-like seed cones. |
RED PINE, Pinus resinosa
Red pine is characterized by its long needles (4-7 inches) that grow in groups of two and break when bent. Red Pine cones are 1.5-2.25 inches long and nearly as wide. They turn purple before maturity. The tree itself is tall and straight with thick gray-brown bark at its base and thick flaky orange bark near the top. The red pine tree is intolerant to shade but does well in windy sites with well-drained soil. It can live up to 500 years. |
WHITE PINE, Pinus strobus
White Pines can be identified by their needles, which are 2-5 inches long and grow in fascicles, or bundles, of 5 (sometimes 3 or 4, but this is rare). The needles are flexible, bluish-green, and finely serrated. White pine cones are 3-6 inches long. White pines are the tallest growing tree species that is native to Eastern North America. Their wood is used for lumber and you can make tea out of their needles. |
BLACK SPRUCE, WHITE SPRUCE
Spruce have bluish green, short (1/3 - 3/4 inch), pointed, four-sided needles. Needles are attached individually to the trees branches. White spruce have a slender cone 2" long with round soft scales that drop in the winter, while black spruce have oval shaped cones, 1/2"-1-1/2" long that are purple when young then turn dark brown. These cones remain on the trees indefinitely. Spruce trees are bushy and full with upturned branches, and are often used as Christmas trees. |
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