Scotch Pine

(Pinus sylvestris)

Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Pinus sylvestris, commonly known as Scots Pine in the UK and Scotch Pine in the US, is an evergreen coniferous tree native to a wide range of habitats across Eurasia, from boreal forests and peat bogs in the north to mountainous areas in the south, including the Caucasus Mountains and Anatolia. It is adaptable to various soil types, from sandy plains to rocky highlands. Typically, it reaches up to 35 meters in height and 1 meter in trunk diameter, characterized by its flaky orange-red bark and blue-green needles that are shorter than those of many other pines.

Scots Pine is valued for its fast growth and adaptability to a variety of soil conditions, making it a popular choice for reforestation projects, timber production, and as a Christmas tree. It is also used in windbreaks and as an ornamental tree in large gardens and parks. The tree’s ability to thrive in full sun and tolerate low to medium water conditions makes it suitable for xeriscaping. However, its potential invasiveness outside its native range should be considered, and it may be subject to various pine diseases and pests, such as pine wilt and bark beetles.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 45-60 feet
  • Width: 25-40 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hedges, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Boreal forests and peat bogs to mountainous areas across Eurasia

Other Names

Common Names: Scotch Pine, Baltic Pine, Borovice Lesní, Borovice Sosna, Skov-Fyr, Föhre, Gemeine Kiefer, Waldföhre, Waldkiefer, Wald-Kiefer

Scientific Names: , Pinus sylvestris, Pinus sylvestris subsp. scotica, Pinus sylvestris var. erythranthera, Pinus sylvestris var. cretacea, Pinus scotica, Pinus sylvestris var. plana, Pinus sylvestris f. fastigiata, Pinus sylvestris var. aurea, Pinus sylvestris var. fastigiata

GBIF Accepted Name: Pinus sylvestris L.