Skip to content
IIIFolio · plant profile№ 12D7medicinal · edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTrefleWikipediaPFAFPOWOeditorially reviewedreviewed 15 Jul 2026methodology → read

Maritime Pine

Pinus pinaster
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
medicinaledibletall treesediblemedicinaltree
Updated·Quick Q&A →
Garden journal pausedUse profile notes below
Pinus pinaster (Maritime Pine) — botanical photograph
Pl. 12D7 — Pinus pinaster
Pinus pinasterPinus pinasterPinus pinasterPinus pinasterPinus pinasterPinus pinasterPinus pinasterPinus pinasterPinus pinasterPinus pinasterPinus pinasterPinus pinasterPinus pinasterPinus pinaster
I

Overview

Maritime Pine (Pinus pinaster) is a tree native to the Mediterranean region, including Algeria, Baleares, Corse, France, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, and Tunisia. Known for its edible seeds, which are used in various culinary applications, this pine also has ornamental value due to its attractive appearance. One distinctive feature is its light, airy habit, growing up to 20 meters tall. Another notable characteristic is its preference for well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5–5.5, making it adaptable in various coastal and inland settings within its native range.

Quick answers

What is Maritime Pine?

Maritime Pine (Pinus pinaster) is a tree native to the Mediterranean region, including Algeria, Baleares, Corse, France, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, and Tunisia.

What is Maritime Pine used for?

Traditionally used for immune support, topical & skin. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.

Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Maritime Pine
Jump to full evidence →
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
II

Benefits & evidence

2 claims · traditional-use context
Traditional-use context
These notes are presented as ethnobotanical context. No cited clinical references are catalogued for this plant yet.
  • Maritime Pine has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine to support the immune system, often prepared as a tea or tincture. Its antioxidant properties may help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.

    The extract contains proanthocyanidins which have potent antioxidant activity, scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative damage. This mechanism supports cellular health and immune function.

    ▲ ModerateImmune support →
  • Traditional-use note: Maritime Pine appears in herbal sources around traditional skin-care routines, often as a topical preparation. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.

    Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original high confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.

IV·b

Mixology suggestions

1 draft
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Maritime Pine support blend
general
tea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Maritime Pine thrives in light to moist conditions and prefers well-draining soils that are either light (sandy) or medium-textured. It is hardy in temperate regions with a range of 7-10 on the USDA Hardiness Zone scale. This tree requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. For soil pH, aim for a range between 5 and 5.5. Propagate Maritime Pine through seeds or cuttings. Regular watering is essential during dry periods, but ensure the soil does not become waterlogged.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
7-10
Habit
Tree
Mature size
20.0 m tall
Soil pH
5–5.5
For first-time growers

How to grow Maritime Pine for the first time

8steps

Start with a simple Maritime Pine sapling for your beginner garden.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A Maritime Pine sapling, well-draining soil, and a large container or planting area.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Ensure the soil is slightly acidic (pH 5-5.5) and well-draining, either in a large pot or directly in the ground.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant the sapling carefully from its nursery pot to your prepared container or planting area.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly but avoid overwatering, and keep the tree in a sheltered spot until it shows signs of growth.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide regular watering during dry spells, especially when young. Prune lightly to maintain shape as needed.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Focus on pruning to remove dead branches and promote healthy growth; harvesting is not typically done for this species.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, and neglecting proper pruning are common pitfalls beginners should avoid.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible uses: Oil, Condiment
Other uses:DyeHerbicideoilResinWind breakerErosion controlLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

11 native · 17 introduced
Distribution across3 continents· 11 native· 17 introduced
Europe11 regions
native (4)FranceItalyPortugalSpain
introduced (7)AlbaniaBelgiumGreeceIrelandPortugalSpainUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
introduced (1)Turkey
Africa3 regions
native (3)AlgeriaMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
introduced:New South Wales, Réunion, St.Helena, Tasmania, Tristan da Cunha, Turkey-in-Europe, Victoria, Western Australia, Yugoslavia
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Pinus pinaster (Maritime Pine) — botanical photograph
Maritime Pine (Pinus pinaster)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

Last updated
Citation
How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 12d73902-60f2-4384-bef5-9069e6b3c565
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates

Get archive updates

Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.

Newsletter returning soon.
We are rebuilding the update list around a lightweight editorial workflow. New dispatches will resume after the next content review cycle.
iCare notes