Best guess, is sometimes the best I can do when it comes to identifying a plant species. Snowfall challenges my abilities further. Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus L.) is my best guess for this common evergreen in our neighborhood. Most trees were planted in effort to provide green accents in newly built residential sites.
Though the 48 inches of January followed by yesterday’s 4 inches are trying the patience of the heartiest around here, the temperature was well above zero yesterday. We were a balmy 30 degrees (Fahrenheit), so I ventured out for an hour-long vigorous walk. Only half of our day’s snow total had landed, so I grabbed our waterproof Nikon Coolpix camera. I don’t mind walking in active snowfall; but I respect my lenses’ care needs. It seems that White Pine seeds prefer a moist environment, so I’m assuming their needs have been met this winter.
- For more details on Pine Tree types found in Illinois, check out: http://www.treesforme.com/il_pinus.html
- Check out this interesting blog/store http://www.pineconesplus.com/blog/2012/05/pine-cone-facts/
-
Detailed information on the Eastern White Pine: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/Volume_1/pinus/strobus.htm
I love trees, their bark, shape, leaves, the bare bones against the winter sky – the various evergreens. Oh how I wish I could remember which was what for more than a few minutes. It’s embarrassing to write about nature’s children and not be able to introduce them by name.
The more I learn the more I know I have to still learn.