Western White Pine

Pinus monticola

Physical Characteristics

Pinus monticola is an evergreen Tree growing to 60 m (196ft 10in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in leaf all year, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Western N. America, British Columbia to California.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Inner bark Seed Edible Uses: Condiment Gum Seed - raw or cooked[105, 177]. The oil-rich seed has a resinous flavour. Rather small, the seed is only 5mm long[200]. The seed is up to 9mm long[82, 229]. An edible gummy exudation from the stem is used as a chewing gum[257]. Inner bark - raw or cooked[177, 257]. The inner bark can be dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickener in soups etc or added to cereals when making bread[257]. The roasted young cones can be eaten[257]. A vanillin flavouring is obtained as a by-product of other resins that are released from the pulpwood[200].

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Antiseptic Diuretic Pectoral Poultice Salve TB The turpentine obtained from the resin of all pine trees is antiseptic, diuretic, rubefacient and vermifuge[4]. It is a valuable remedy used internally in the treatment of kidney and bladder complaints and is used both internally and as a rub and steam bath in the treatment of rheumatic affections[4, 257]. It is also very beneficial to the respiratory system and so is useful in treating diseases of the mucous membranes and respiratory complaints such as coughs, colds, influenza and TB[4, 257]. Externally it is a very beneficial treatment for a variety of skin complaints, wounds, sores, burns, boils etc and is used in the form of liniment plasters, poultices, herbal steam baths and inhalers[4]. An infusion of the bark has been used as a blood purifier and in the treatment of stomach disorders and tuberculosis[257]. A decoction of the bark has been used as a wash on cuts and sores[257]. A decoction of the young shoots has been used as a soak in the treatment of rheumatism[257].

Known Hazards

The wood, sawdust and resins from various species of pine can cause dermatitis in sensitive people[222].