Scotch Pine
Pinus sylvestris L.
Description:
Scotch or Scots pine is an introduced species which has been widely
planted for the purpose of producing Christmas trees. It is an
extremely hardy species which is adaptable to a wide variety of soils
and sites. As a Christmas tree, it is known for its dark green foliage
and stiff branches which are well suited for decorating with both
light and heavy ornaments. It has excellent needle retention
characteristics and holds up well throughout harvest, shipping and
display.
The needles of Scotch pine are produced in bundles of two. They are
variable in length, ranging from slightly over 1-inch for some
varieties to nearly 3-inches for others. Color is likewise variable
with bright green characteristic of a few varieties to dark green to
bluish tones more prominent in others. The undersides of Scotch pine
needles are characterized by several prominent rows of white appearing
stomatal openings.
The bark of upper branches on larger, more mature trees displays a
prominent reddish-orange color which is very distinctive and
attractive. Large amounts of cones are likewise produced which often
persist on the tree from one year to the next. Like most pines two
growing seasons are required to produce mature cones. On excellent
sites within its native range mature trees may reach a trunk diameter
of 30 inches or more and individual trees may exceed 125 feet in
height.
Range:
Scotch pine is native to Europe and Asia. From the British isles
and Scandinavian peninsulas through central Europe south to the
Mediterranean and east through eastern Siberia, Scotch pine can be
found at varying elevations.Scotch pine was introduced to North
America by European settlers and has long been cultivated, especially
in the eastern United States and Canada. It is adaptable to a wide
variety of sites and accordingly, has been widely planted for both
Christmas tree and ornamental purposes. Although plantations have been
established in the United States for the purpose of producing forest
products, the species does not perform as well as in its native
habitat.
Propagation:
Scotch pine is reproduced from seed. More than thirty five
different seed sources or varieties are commercially recognized. Seed
is obtained by international collectors and marketed through reputable
seed dealers. A few seed orchards have been established in the United
States from which seed is locally collected. For Christmas tree
production purposes seed is usually sown in the spring and the
resulting seedlings are allowed to grow for two years in the nursery
bed before they are lifted and sold to Christmas tree producers. There
has been some research by university personnel to identify and produce
genetically improved planting stock, although these efforts have not
been totally successful.
Uses:
In Europe and throughout several countries in Asia, Scotch pine is
an important species of high economic value. Forest stands containing
Scotch pine are managed to produce pulpwood, poles, and sawlogs from
which dimension and finish lumber is produced. Logs from trees of
large diameters are processed into veneer and used in manufacturing
plywood. The species is also valued as an ornamental and landscape
plant and has been widely planted in parks and gardens.
As a Christmas tree Scotch pine is probably the most commonly used
species in the United States. Because of its ease of planting,
generally high planting survival and favorable response to plantation
culture it has been widely planted throughout much of the eastern
United States and Canada. For several years it was the favorite
species of large eastern wholesale growers because of its excellent
harvesting and shipping qualities. It is also a preferred species for
many choose and cut growers in much of the eastern and central United
States.
When established in plantations usually 6 to 8 years are required
to produce a 7 to 8 foot tree. The tree requires annual shearing,
usually beginning the second or third year following planting and
continuing on through the year of harvest. Scotch pine is host to a
number of insect and disease problems, and continued protection from
foliage and stem damaging agents is necessary. The species is not
demanding with respect to fertility or moisture and supplemental
fertilization or irrigation is not considered necessary.
As a Christmas tree Scotch pine is known for its excellent needle
retention and good keepability. It resists drying and if permitted to
become dry does not drop its needles. When displayed in a water filled
container it will remain fresh for the normal 3 to 4 week Christmas
season. Like all natural trees it is readily recyclable and has many
different uses following the Christmas holidays.
Prepared by Dr. Melvin R. Koelling, Michigan State University
|
