What Is Pinus Sylvestris?

Size and Geography

• In its home range across Europe, from Spain north to Norway and east to Siberia, Scotch pine attains heights of 100 feet. The cultivated Scotch pine though is half that size, usually in the 30- to 50-foot range. No pine has a wider distribution in the world, notes the "National Audubon Society Field Guide to Trees: Eastern Region." The tree is a naturalized species in many northern sections of North America. It grows between U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 7, displaying great tolerance for bitter cold weather.

Features

• The horizontal limbs of a Scotch pine have stiff, bluish-green needles up to 4 inches long, with some as short as 1 ½ inches, according to the University of Connecticut Plant Database. Pinus sylvestris is identifiable by its needles, with two needles growing in each bundle from the twigs. The cones the tree generates are small -- only three inches long -- with a dull brown color. The cones fall off once they mature. The bark is a darker hue of red-brown on the trunk, but the upper branches and higher up on the trunk are orange-red.

Growing Conditions

• One of the attractive things about Pinus sylvestris is that it transplants easily. The tree does well despite urban conditions. Scotch pine thrives when placed in damp, acidic soil in full sun situations. Scotch pine though is tolerant of poor quality soil, as well as dry conditions. In addition, this type of pine withstands exposure to wind.

Cultivars

• Pinus sylvestris "Fastigiata" is a columnar cultivar, growing to 25 feet but with a very narrow width. This type does poorly though in areas where heavy snow and ice may damage it. "Watereri" grows only to 10 feet, with a dense and compact body in the shape of a pyramid. Its foliage is steel blue. "Hillside Creeper" grows so low, you can employ it as a ground cover. The needles of "Aurea" turn a yellow shade in winter.