Scotch Pine
Pinus sylvestris

Height: 30-60´
Habit: pyramidal, later picturesque

Landscape Value:

This is a popular landscape plant that is valued for its more irregular and often picturesque form. Although not as graceful in appearance as the white pine, it is much more tolerant of city pollution and tolerates poor, dry conditions. In general it has been a good choice for home or park landscapes; however with the development of a relatively new pest, pine wilt nematode, it is falling out of favor. There is great variety in needle length and color, in hardiness, and adaptability. Homeowners should be aware of the specific attributes of the Scotch pine they may be about to purchase. Cultivars of different size, color, and habit are available, including bush-sized dwarfs.

Seasonal Characteristics:

• All year: Needles of the scotch pine are most often bluish-green, 2-3" long, and twisted, stiff, and sharp to the touch. There is a tendency for the needles to yellow slightly in the winter, but that depends on the variety.
  
  
• Fall: 2-3" cones adorn the tree and gradually open to drop their seeds. They are smaller than cones of the white pine but equally decorative.

Points of Interest:

The use of the Scotch pine has increased over the years, as the trees have become common in reforestation projects. Their hardiness and tolerance of dry, harsh sites, as well as their fast growth habit, have made them suitable for the demands of such a role. Scotch pines are now the number one Christmas tree in the U.S.; plantations of them exist solely for that purpose.

Native Range:

Scotch pines are one of the most widely distributed pines, ranging throughout most of Europe and western Asia. They have long been cultivated in the U.S. and have naturalized (escaped cultivation) in the New England area.

Link to Scotch Pine