</noinclude> <!-- 14. Learn about one invasive species that affect the taiga. --> [[File:Cronartium_ribicola_on_Pinus_strobus_abrimaal2013.jpg|thumb|250px|Cronartium ribicola on Pinus strobus]] White Pine Blister Rust – This fungus was introduced into the taiga of North America from Asia. The spores from this fungus first infect Gooseberries and/or Wild Currants. It then spreads to the needles of white pines (pines with 5 needles in each cluster) and eventually kills the pine tree when it reaches the bark of the tree's trunk. {{clear}}