In the spring, the male cones produce enormous quantities of pollen. The wind carries the pollen to egg cells attached to the scales of the female cones. The pollen fertilizes the egg cells, which then develop into seeds. The seeds take one or two years to mature. The mature seeds of most pines have winglike parts that cause the seeds to twirl and float in the wind.
Pines rank as the world's most important source of timber.
Most pines grow rapidly and form straight, tall trunks that are ideal for lumber. Some pines produce resin, a substance used to make such products as turpentine, paint, and soap. The wood of many pine species makes excellent pulp for the manufacture of paper. Pines are also grown as shade trees. The eastern white pine ranges from New England to Minnesota.