tree

Scots Pine

Pinus sylvestris

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Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) at Millcreek Nursery Ltd

Scots Pine

Scots Pine

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) at Millcreek Nursery Ltd

Scots Pine foliage

Scots Pine foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) at Millcreek Nursery Ltd

Scots Pine bark

Scots Pine bark

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  50 feet

Spread:  25 feet

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  2b

Other Names:  Scots Pine

Description:

A stunning evergreen tree, featuring peeling showy orange bark when mature; begins as a dense pyramidal form, becoming open and more rounded with age; hardy, adaptable and very versatile, can be used as an accent, windbreak or shade tree

Ornamental Features

Scots Pine is primarily valued in the landscape for its distinctively pyramidal habit of growth. It has rich green evergreen foliage. The needles remain green throughout the winter. The shaggy orange bark is extremely showy and adds significant winter interest.

Landscape Attributes

Scots Pine is an evergreen tree with a strong central leader and a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Scots Pine is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Shade
  • Windbreaks and Shelterbelts

Planting & Growing

Scots Pine will grow to be about 50 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 25 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 5 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 80 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Accent  Shade  Windbreak 
Applications
Plant Form  Bark  Winter Value 
Ornamental Features