Pinus sylvestris - Scots Pine

The Scots Pine is the only native British Pine, and one of only a handful of native conifers. It is found in the wild in Scotland and on heathland in the south of England, but it is now less often planted commercially as it has been replaced by the faster growing Corsican Pine. It is easily recognised by its distinctive orange flaking bark.

Site and soil

The Scots Pine prefers well-drained soil, but will not grow on chalky soil. Can withstand very low temperatures and exposed conditions.

Height and spread

After 10 years: 8m x 3m
After 20 years: 12m x 6m

Leaf and bark

The needle-like leaves are blue-green, slightly twisted to 5cm long. The bark is purplish-grey at the base, becoming bright orange-brown on the upper trunk.

Flower, seed and fruit

The flowers open in May, the males yellow, the females red. They are followed by cones to 6cm, which ripen in their second year.

Uses

Commercial forestry, plantations, shelterbelts, woodland, specimen tree. The very straight, columnar trunk is used for ships masts, telegraph poles, furniture, chipboard and charcoal. Turpentine is extracted from the resin for medicinal and other purposes.

Wildlife

In Scotland, the Scots Pine provides nesting sites for the Golden Eagle, Osprey and Goshawk. Other birds are attracted to feed on the tree include Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Siskin, Crossbill and Great Crested Tit. Squirrels and other small mammals also feed on the cones. Lichens and insects colonise the tree.