In colonial times, white pines above 24 inches in diameter were reserved for England to be used as ships masts. These trees were identified by blazing a broad arrow on the trunk. Until about 1890, white pine was considered the species of choice for most commercial uses. It is the state tree of Maine and Michigan. Cones are 4-8 inches in length, usually slightly curved and mature at the end of the second season.
Cone scales are rather thin and never have prickles.
Cones also have exudations of a fragrant gummy resin. Bark on young trunks and branches is smooth and tends to be greenish-brown in color. On older trunks, the bark becomes dark gray and shallowly fissured. Limbs tend to persist, particularly on trees grown without severe competition. White pine is intermediate in shade tolerance and is commonly associated with eastern hemlock and various northern hardwoods.