Pinus sylvestris, Scots Pine
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Coniferous Trees

Pinus sylvestris

Scots Pine

Pinaceae

Scotland east across Eurasia to Sea of Okhotsk; sea level to 7,900 feet (2,400 m)

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height40–60 feet (12–18 m)
Width20–35 feet (6–10.7 m)
Maturity30 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

2 - 8
Zone 2
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Pinus sylvestris is a large evergreen pine native to Eurasia, with the widest natural range of any pine species. Trees reach 40–60 feet (12–18 m) tall and 20–35 feet (6–10.7 m) wide in cultivation; growth rate is 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) per year. The crown is broadly conical when young, becoming open, irregular, and often umbrella-shaped with age. Needles are in bundles of two, 1.5–3 inches (4–7.5 cm) long, stiff, twisted, blue-green to gray-green. The most distinctive feature is the bark on the upper trunk and branches, which exfoliates to reveal a bright orange-red to cinnamon-salmon surface, contrasting strongly with the dark gray-brown furrowed bark at the base. Cones are ovoid, 1.5–3 inches (4–7.5 cm) long, gray-brown, dull, falling after opening. Diplodia tip blight is the most significant disease concern; it has caused widespread decline in P. sylvestris plantings in some regions, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast. In Pacific Northwest conditions, disease pressure is generally lower.

Native Range

Pinus sylvestris is native from Scotland and western Europe east across Russia to the Sea of Okhotsk, from sea level to 7,900 feet (2,400 m). It is not native to the Pacific Northwest.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen tree in larger residential landscapes, parks, and woodland settings, spaced 20–25 feet (6–7.6 m) from adjacent plants. The orange-red upper bark is most visible in winter when foliage contrast is reduced. The irregular, open crown provides partial shade without heavy canopy density. Eventual height of 40–60 feet (12–18 m) and spread of 20–35 feet (6–10.7 m) require siting with adequate clearance.

How to Identify

Pinus sylvestris is identified by two needles per fascicle, 1.5–3 inches (4–7.5 cm) long, twisted, blue-green to gray-green, and by the orange-red to cinnamon-salmon exfoliating bark on the upper trunk and branches. Distinguished from P. nigra by the blue-green (not dark green) needles and orange-red (not dark gray) upper bark; distinguished from P. densiflora by the shorter, more twisted needles and more orange (less red) upper bark. Cones are ovoid, 1.5–3 inches (4–7.5 cm), dull gray-brown.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height40' - 60'
Width/Spread20' - 35'

Reaches mature size in approximately 30 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

blue green
gray green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SpringSummer
Male strobili are yellow, releasing pollen in May–June. Female cones are ovoid, 1.5–3 inches (4–7.5 cm) long, ripening from green to dull gray-brown in the second season. Cones open after ripening and fall from the tree; production begins at 10–15 years.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow (male strobili)

Foliage Description

blue-green to gray-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range4.5 - 7.0(Acidic)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandrocky
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

25–35 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water weekly during the first two growing seasons; established trees tolerate extended dry periods. Tolerates a wide range of soil types including sandy, rocky, and slightly alkaline substrates; performs poorly in heavy, waterlogged clay. Diplodia tip blight causes browning of new growth in wet spring conditions; brown shoot tips in late spring indicate infection. Removing infected shoots reduces spread. The irregular, sculptural form develops over decades and is most pronounced after 30–40 years. Pine needle scale and pine sawfly are occasional pests. Tolerates urban pollution and exposed sites.

Pruning

No pruning is required. Dead branches can be removed at any time. Lower branches die naturally as the crown develops; removal is optional. The open, irregular crown form develops without training. Pruning into old wood without live foliage is not productive. Diplodia-infected shoots should be removed and disposed of off-site.

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic