What to Plant Under White Pine Trees

White pine trees (Pinus strobus) are beautiful evergreens that provide shade, privacy, and ecological benefits to landscapes. However, their dense canopy and acidic needles create challenging conditions for plants growing underneath them. If you want to enhance the beauty and diversity of your white pine forest, here are some suggestions for plants that can thrive in this unique environment.

Native Woodland Wildflowers

One of the best options for planting under white pine trees is a variety of native woodland wildflowers. These plants are well adapted to the shade, the moist soil, and the acidity of pine needles. They provide a burst of color and fragrance in early spring when the temperatures rise and the ground thaws. Some popular choices include:

Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum)

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)

Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)

Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)

Wild ginger (Asarum canadense)

Spring beauty (Claytonia virginica)

Ground Covers

If you want to create a uniform and low-maintenance ground cover under your white pine trees, consider some of the following plants:

Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata)

Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum)

Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis)

Wild ginger (Asarum canadense)

Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)

Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum)

These plants can spread and fill in the gaps between the tree trunks or shrubs, creating a carpet-like effect. They are also shade-tolerant, low-growing, and easy to maintain. However, keep in mind that they may not tolerate heavy foot traffic or compete well with aggressive weeds, so choose the right plant for your specific needs.

Shrubs and Small Trees

If you want to add some height and structure to your white pine understory, try some of these shrubs and small trees:

Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)

Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)

Fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii)

Chokeberry (Aronia spp.)

Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica)

Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

These plants can tolerate partial shade, acidic soil, and occasional dryness, and they offer showy flowers, colorful fruits, or interesting foliage throughout the season. They can also attract birds, bees, and other wildlife to your yard, adding ecological value to your property.

Conclusion

Planting under white pine trees can be a rewarding and challenging experience. By selecting the right plants for your site, you can create a diverse and beautiful garden that complements the natural beauty of the forest. Whether you prefer wildflowers, ground covers, shrubs, or small trees, there is a plant that can thrive in this unique environment. Consult your local garden center or extension service for more advice on what to plant under white pine trees in your region.