Pine Trees of Jackson-Via Elementary School

A third grade class has begun exploring the pine tree diversity of the woods behind Jackson-Via Elementary school. Based on their recent findings the following key is being created. 2 species have been confirmed by the students thus far. The key is incomplete, as there might be other kinds of pine trees in those woods. However, I thought it would be good to share this work-in-progress as it is built. So, stay tuned! The missing parts will be filled as students discover trees on the grounds.

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PINE TREE KEY , DRAFT

How do you know it is a pine tree?

• The tree is a conifer, an "evergreen".
  
• The leaves look like needles.
• The needles are at least 1 inch long.

Pine trees typically have needles that come in bundles of 2,3, or 5. The number of needles per bundle can be very helpful in figuring out what kind of pine tree you're looking at.

2 NEEDLES PER BUNDLE

• Needles 1-3 inches long: Virginia Pine, Pinus virginiana
  
• Needles 3-5 inches long: Shortleaf Pine, Pinus echinata (bundles sometimes have three needles.)
  

3 NEEDLES PER BUNDLE

• ?
• ?
  

5 NEEDLES PER BUNDLE

• Needles 3-5 inches long: Eastern White Pine, Pinus strobus

Jackson-Via art blog also covering the explorations: http://jvartlady.wordpress.com/2011/01/06/great-connections/