White pine forests covered most of The Northern Midwest before the lumber barons logged it off. In an effort to reforest, tree farms were planted in open fields, like our own at Turtle Ridge. A tax break was available for those who planted them. The white pines here were about 18" tall when we purchased this property and now they are at least 60 to 70 feet tall. The white pines have accomplished greatness during my 40+ years here. Reproduction is achieved by male and female cones on the same tree. Pollen on the staminate (male) cones pollinate the pistillate (female) cones. Seedlings have a tap root and grab onto rocks and siphon nutrients as they grow. I like to illustrate how much plant life is below ground. Virgin white pines can still be appreciated in Ferdinand Hotz Park.
The petrified wood specimen is a visual reminder of the evolution of trees to the present. "Petrified wood comes from the Greek root petro, which means rock or stone, the literal meaning 'wood turned into stone'. With no oxygen the plant cells are replaced by minerals most often quartz crystals." Petrified forests are found on every continent and the process can take as little as 100 years but stretch back to record millennium.
The leather and painting is wrapped around the sides of the piece for a balanced finish.
Pinus Blanc measures 24" x 36" x 2"