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Pinus sylvestris 'Fastigiata'
Columnar Scots Pine
Cultivar of European origin; species native from Scotland east to Sea of Okhotsk
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Overview
Pinus sylvestris 'Fastigiata' is a narrowly columnar cultivar of Scots pine with strongly upright branching. Trees reach 20–30 feet (6–9 m) tall and 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) wide at maturity; growth rate is 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) per year. The crown is tightly fastigiate with branches angling steeply upward from the trunk, maintaining the narrow columnar silhouette throughout the tree's life. Needles are in bundles of two, 1.5–3 inches (4–7.5 cm) long, stiff, twisted, blue-green to gray-green. Upper trunk and branch bark exfoliates to reveal orange-red to cinnamon-salmon beneath, the characteristic feature of P. sylvestris. Cones are ovoid, 1.5–3 inches (4–7.5 cm) long, dull gray-brown. The columnar form is maintained naturally without pruning. Diplodia tip blight is the most significant disease concern; disease pressure is generally lower in Pacific Northwest conditions than in the Midwest and Northeast.
Native Range
The species Pinus sylvestris is native from Scotland east across Eurasia to the Sea of Okhotsk. The cultivar 'Fastigiata' was selected in European horticulture for its narrow columnar form.Suggested Uses
Planted as a vertical accent in residential landscapes, formal gardens, and mixed conifer plantings, spaced 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) from adjacent plants. The 4–6 foot (1.2–1.8 m) spread fits narrow sites between structures, along drives, and in confined garden beds. Groupings of 3–5 trees at 6-foot (1.8 m) spacing create a screen or grove with minimal horizontal footprint. The orange-red upper bark is visible year-round and most prominent in winter.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 30'
Width/Spread4' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 18 years
Colors
Bloom Information
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, opening and falling after ripening. Cone production begins at 10–15 years.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow (male strobili)Foliage Description
blue-green to gray-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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