Pinus sylvestris

Pinus sylvestris is a species of pine that is native to Eurasia, ranging from Western Europe to Eastern Siberia, south to the Caucasus Mountains and Anatolia, and north to well inside the Arctic Circle in Scandinavia. It is commonly known as the Scots pine or the Scotch pine.

Description

Pinus sylvestris is an evergreen coniferous tree that grows up to 35 m in height. The bark is thick and scaly, flaking off in small, circular plates. The leaves are needle-like, dark green, and are usually in pairs. The cones are ovoid or conical, 5–10 cm long and 2–3 cm broad when closed, green at first, ripening glossy red-brown when 24 months old. They open slowly over the next few years, or after being heated by a forest fire, to release the seeds, a process known as serotiny.

Distribution and habitat

Pinus sylvestris is found in a wide variety of habitats, including moorland, heathland, and mountainous areas. It is also commonly found in commercial plantations, where it is harvested for timber. The species is adapted to a wide range of soil types, including both acidic and alkaline soils, and is tolerant of poor nutrient levels.

Uses

Pinus sylvestris has a long history of use by humans. Its timber is used in construction, furniture making, and pulp production. The resin is used in the production of turpentine, while the needles can be used to make a tea rich in vitamin C. The tree is also widely used in horticulture, both as a specimen tree and in bonsai.

Conservation

While Pinus sylvestris is not currently considered threatened, it has been subject to significant declines in some parts of its range due to factors such as habitat loss, pollution, and the spread of non-native tree species. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting existing populations and restoring degraded habitats.

See also

• List of Pinus species
• Pine
• Forestry