The rapid, vertical new growth that emerges on the branch tips of pines and some other conifers in the spring. These shoots are typically lighter in color and covered in tightly packed needles, resembling a wax candle. Foresters observe candle elongation to assess the current year's growth rate and overall tree vigor. As the growing season progresses, the candle hardens off and darkens into a normal branch.
Heard on the job
The white pines are putting on some serious candles this year, easily pushing two feet of new growth.