Scots Pine (Péine albanach)

One of our native evergreen conifers, Pinus sylvestris is a medium to tall growing tree with foliage of paired grey-green needles and cones on short stalks. Scots Pine has an attractive textured red-brown bark which sheds off round ‘scales’ with age. With maturity the crown becomes rounded and almost flat. Scots pine is an excellent tree for poor soils, especially dry soils. It is one of the especially wildlife friendly conifers for nesting birds, and the cones are among the native Red Squirrels’ favourite food! It can also be planted within mixed forestry as a firewood or timber crop.

Growing as a Christmas tree:

A less common Christmas tree, bright, blue-green foliage and a lovely fragrance. The needles are quite sharp. Excellent needles retention as they don’t fall, even when dry.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Well drained, prefers acid but lime is good too
Position: Full sun, young plant tolerate some shade
Season of Interest: All year foliage, and attractive bark and cones on established trees
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 50-75ft (15-25m) Spread: 20-30ft (6-9m)