Needles remain on the tree for two years. Cones are fully grown in the summer of the second season, opening to discharge seed that autumn. Cones are 4-8 inches long, curved. The bark is deeply divided into broad ridges that are covered with purplish scales. The tree commonly attains 100 feet in height and 4 feet in diameter, with a tall, straight stem and pyramidal crown.
Branches are in definite whorls of long lateral branches sweeping upward in graceful curves.
This is the largest conifer of eastern forests and is long-lived. The wood is light, straight-grained, easily worked, but not strong. It is used in cabinet work, interior finishes, woodenware, matches, and lumber. A large part of the winter diet of red squirrels is made up of the seed of the white pine. Grows best in well drained soils.