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Photo:
Pat Kolling
Blue Shag Eastern White Pine
Latin Name:
Pinus strobus 'Blue Shag'
Soft, green-needled dwarf variety of Pinus strobus
Taxon ID#
77
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Level:
Low
Min. USDA Hardiness Zone:
3
Sun Preference:
Partial Sun
Water Preference:
M
Soil Preference:
Prefers fertile, acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soil; Intolerant of compacted, clayey soils, alkaline conditions
Fertilizer Needs:
Recommended Mulch:
Family:
Pinaceae
Origins:
Plant Type:
Med - Lg Shrub (usually >3' and never < 1.5')
Southern Canada from Manitoba to Newfoundland, throughout the northern and eastern states from Minnesota and northern Iowa to the Atlantic coast, and southward along the Appalachian mountains to northern Georgia and Alabama
Oregon native:
no
Western state native:
no
PLANT DESCRIPTION
Foliage Color:
Green
Foliage Description:
Short, blue green needles in bundles of 5 are soft to the touch
Fragrant:
no
Predominant flower color:
No Flower
Flower Description:
Fall color:
yes
Fall Color Description:
Green foliage
Winter Foliage:
Evergreen
Winter Interest:
yes
Winter Interest Description:
Green foliage
Mature height:
2-4'
Mature spread:
2-4'
Growth rate:
Slow
LANDSCAPE APPLICATION
Deer Resistant:
no
Fire Resistant:
no
Attracts Pollinators:
no
Attracts Butterflies:
no
Native Habitat:
Attracts Birds:
no
Cut/Dried Flowers:
no
Photo:
Used by Wildlife:
yes
Hedge/Screen:
yes
Swales:
no
Wildlife Use:
Border:
yes
Erosion Control:
no
Windbreak:
no
Cover Structures:
no
Ground Cover:
no
Provides Shade:
no
Rock Garden:
yes
Adds Texture/Movement:
yes
First Bloom:
Last Bloom:
Ornamental Accent:
yes
Garden Observations:
SEASONAL CARE
Spring Care:
Avoid pruning while pitch moths are active. Best to prune Oct - Feb.
Summer Care:
The candles can be pinched off or trimmed by 1/3 to 2/3 to limit the tree's yearly growth. Trimming the candles will encourage a�denser growth, since by the end of that�growing season, new terminal buds will have formed at the cut ends. �Next year?s grow
Fall Care:
Avoid pruning while pitch moths are active. Best to prune Oct - Feb.
Winter Care:
Pruning a tree during dormant season (e.g., late winter/early spring) will help the tree focus on strong shoots that grow rapidly - especially on the most severely pruned limbs. If you trim last year?s growth in February/March (which would likely include
Long Term Care:
Most conifers require little pruning. They are generally pruned for shape or to remove unwanted branches. It is important to distinguish between pruning tree branches and pruning or trimming candles. Avoid pruning while pitch moths are active. Best to p
Insect Pests:
White pine beetle
Wildlife Pests:
Tolerates deer and rabbit
Diseases:
White pine blister rust could be a problem.
Environmental Problems:
Intolerant of air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and ozone.
Landscape Problems:
Species of Ribes (e.g., currants and gooseberries) are the alternate host for white pine blister rust and should not be planted in areas where white pines are under attack.
Care Comments:
Prefers cool, humid climates. When pruning pines, make cuts just above the needle whorls. Most new lateral growth is stimulated at these points, rather than along the stems between the whorls.
RESOURCES
OSU Landscape Profile:
USDA Plants:
Calscape Database:
LBJ Native Plant Database:
Missouri Botanical Garden Database:
Monrovia Profile:
Alternate Source 1:
Alternate Source 2:
Source Comment:
George & Vickie Minor
Whistle Stop Farm & Flowers
Empire Stone
Instant Landscape
McPheeter's Turf
High Desert Farms Nursery Sales
Thank you!
Join an OSU Master Gardener managed community garden this summer!
Put your name in the lottery to get a plot at either Hollinshead's or Discovery Park's community garden.
More information for: Discovery Park Garden
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