11 Reasons You Should Start Collecting Pine Needles
by Sierra Bright Of the many types of conifers native to North America, pines are recognized by their thin, long needles that usually come in bundles of 2-5. But some, like the foxtail pine and bristlecone pine, have very short needles. The fallen needles that cover the ground beneath the trees are mainly used as mulch in gardens, especially where acidity is desired. Pine nuts and the inner bark of pines are considered survival foods; many Indian tribes and even the early European settlers depended on these foods during the harsh winter months when other edibles were scarce. Many species of pines are known to have medicinal properties as well and have been used extensively by Indians for food and medicine. The needles also contributed to their...
