Learn how to identify trees—in one week
National Geographic's Wonder Lessons will teach you how to navigate the stars, spot cloud types, recognize common trees, and identify different kinds of rocks. Today, we’re learning about pine trees.
Pine trees (genus Pinus) can survive for centuries. Some species of these evergreens can live for up to a thousand years.
In the White Mountains of eastern California, a Great Basin bristlecone pine nicknamed Methuselah has been alive for almost 5,000 years—it’s the oldest known tree on Earth.
Pine trees are found all over the U.S., from loblolly pines (Pinus taeda) in the southeast to tall, thin lodgepole pines (Pinus contorta) in the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies.
Want to experience more wonder? National Geographic’s Wonder List features playful prompts and activities that turn everyday moments into wonder-filled discoveries—for families, anywhere, every day.
Illustrations by: Matt Twombly
Interactive by: JoElla Carman
