Scotch Pine

		*Scotch, or Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)* is native to Europe, from Norway to Spain, and parts of Asia. A medium sized evergreen, it grows 30-50 feet in height and 25-40 feet in width. Growth is fairly dense as a young tree, becoming more open and spreading with age. One of the most popular of Christmas trees, it accounts for 30% of trees grown for that purpose. Scotch pine prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is very tolerant of dry and infertile soils, wind resistant, and is hardy to zone 2.

		Foliage is evergreen, with needles that are 1.5 to 4 inches long, stiff and have a 360 degree twist to them. They are green to blue-green and sharp to touch with two needles per fascicle.

		Flowers are monoecious (both male and female on the same tree). Male flower cones are orange, cylindrical, and appear in large clusters along the terminal aspect of twigs. Female flower cones are large, oval, and yellow-green to purple in color.

		Cones are one to three inches long and dull-brown in color. They are held alone or in clusters of 2 or 3 and fall from the tree when mature in autumn.

		Bark is orange-brown and peeling. It is enjoyed by porcupines, which can extensively damage the tree.

Scotch, or Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)