Scot's Pine
Pinus sylvestrisfam. Pinaceae
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Pl. 0187 — Pinus sylvestris
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IOverview
Overview
Scot's Pine (Pinus sylvestris) is a tree native to Europe and Asia, with a wide distribution that includes countries such as Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, and others. Known for its ornamental value and use in forestry, this pine species also has edible and medicinal properties. The inner bark can be consumed, and it has been used traditionally for various ailments. One distinctive feature of Scot's Pine is its ability to thrive in a variety of soil types, from light (sandy) to medium, with an optimal pH range of 5–7.5. It grows up to 25 meters tall and is hardy in zones 3-7.
Quick answers
What is Scot's Pine?
Scot's Pine (Pinus sylvestris) is a tree native to Europe and Asia, with a wide distribution that includes countries such as Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, and others. Known for its ornamental value and use in forestry, this pine species also has edible and medicinal properties.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Pine and Willow
immunetincture
Traditional use for respiratory support.
Pine and Lady's Bedstraw
skintea
Historically used for skin conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Scot's Pine thrives in a variety of soils, preferring light (sandy) to medium textures with a pH between 5 and 7.5. It requires well-drained soil and can tolerate dry conditions but also performs well in moist or wet environments. The tree is hardy in temperate regions with zones ranging from 3 to 7, making it suitable for cooler climates. Scot's Pine prefers full sun to partial shade and needs regular watering during establishment. For propagation, seeds should be sown fresh or stratified before planting. Inner bark can be harvested as an edible part.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
3-7
Habit
Tree
Mature size
25.0 m tall
Soil pH
5–7.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Scot's Pine for the first time
8steps
Start with planting a young Scot's Pine tree for a rewarding beginner project.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Scot's Pine sapling, well-draining soil, and a large container or a spot in your garden.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the ground is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil has good drainage. Mix in some compost if planting in containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling carefully, ensuring the root ball is intact.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Monitor for signs of stress.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week during dry spells and mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead branches. Inner bark can be harvested for food, but this is not common.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to mulch, and pruning at the wrong time are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Inner bark
Edible uses: Condiment
Other uses:DyeEssential OilFiberFire starterHerbicideLightingtextilesResinWind breakerLumberFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe14 regions
native (14)AustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNorwayRussiaUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
native (2)ChinaMongolia
Broader regions
native:Amur, Baltic States, Buryatiya, Chita, Czechoslovakia, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk, Altay
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Pinaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Pinaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 0187dea4-3e29-4b4f-8e8f-a07c7ae3ac26
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