It may sound far off, but in January spring is already just around the corner. The first bulbs—snowdrops!—are beginning to emerge, bringing cheerful signs of new life. This month’s Tree of the Month is Pinus sylvestris, the Scots pine, which with its evergreen nature also brings a touch of green to January.
Largest Range
The Scots pine has the widest natural distribution of all pine species: from Ireland and Portugal to the far east of Russia and Mongolia. It typically grows between 25 and 30 meters tall and, depending on location, can spread up to 20 meters wide. Its crown shape varies greatly, influenced by its growing conditions.
Striking Bark
The needles of the Scots pine grow in pairs, are twisted, and range in color from gray-green to blue-green. Its orange-red, rugged bark contrasts beautifully with the gray-green needles. Young green shoots turn yellow-green as they mature. The flowers, appearing in May and June, are inconspicuous: the male flowers bloom light yellow, while the female ones show light yellow with a hint of pink. Its gray-brown cones usually hang in pairs. They open while still on the tree, releasing their seeds in spring.
A Characterful Pioneer
Native to poor, dry sandy soils and mountain regions, the Scots pine is a true pioneer species. With its deep taproot, it thrives in extremely dry conditions, from nutrient-poor acidic soils and sandy grounds to rocky landscapes. The tree tolerates drought, air pollution, and (salty) winds, as well as paving, though it prefers full sun. Few trees are more characterful than the Scots pine, with its rugged trunks, branches, bark, and evergreen crown. It is suitable for planting in almost any situation, provided it has enough space to grow.
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