Pine is a pale softwood, with a wide straight grain and pronounced knots, indigenous to Europe and North America. Pine was often used for furniture intended to be painted, gilded or veneered.  Pine was too soft for detailed carving and so much carved gilt wood is lime or fruitwood.  Pine was usually used as a carcase wood , particularly in North America, Italy and Northern Europe. Scandinavian Pine (has a distinctive purple grain) is often used in Alpine cabinet making.  Pitch Pine is a tree from the southern United States, it is very grainy and has a high resin content leading to its extensive use in furniture, particularly in churches.