Pine Trees

Pine trees are tall trees with long, thin leaves called needles. They stay green all year long, even in winter. Pine trees grow pine cones instead of fruit. You can find pine trees in forests all over the world, from cold mountains to warm beaches.

Needles and Cones

Pine tree needles are skinny and sharp, but soft to touch. They grow in little bunches on the branches. Needles help the tree save water during dry times. Pine cones are where the tree's seeds grow. The cones open up when the seeds are ready to fly away in the wind.

Homes for Animals

Many animals live in pine forests. Squirrels love to eat pine seeds from the cones. Birds build nests in the branches to hide from danger. Some bears sleep in hollow pine trees. The thick pine needles on the ground make a soft bed for little animals.

Fun Facts

• Pine trees smell good because of a sticky sap called pine resin.
• The oldest pine tree in the world is over 4,800 years old.
• Pine nuts from pine cones can be eaten and taste nutty.

Did You Know?

A pine tree in California named Methuselah is one of the oldest living things on Earth.