Longleaf pine in the low countries

Abstract

Among the species used for dendrochronology in the Low Countries, pine from the North American continent represents a small and possibly overlooked subset. Southern Yellow Pine is the collective name for a number of pine species (Pinus spp.) of which longleaf pine (P. Palustris Mill.) is of prime importance. The wood anatomy of longleaf pine is easily confused with the far more common Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), Additionally, longleaf pine did not appear in the Low Countries until relatively recently, meaning it can be found in objects which can be dated through other means than dendrochronology, typically archival sources. In this study we present a chronology for longleaf pine, as well as its distinguishing (wood anatomical) features, application and provenance details to enable further research into the scope of this trans-Atlantic timber trade.