Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris

Full Sun,

Acidic, Clay, Drought-tolerant, Loamy, Moist, Sandy, Well-drained,

Owls prefer roosting and nesting in large conifers such as the Scots pine, and many mammals and birds consume pine seeds.

The Scots pine was widely planted on old farm fields at the turn of the century. Early farmers were familiar with this species from its growth throughout Europe and knew it could tolerate poor, dry soil. Eventually they found that the trees did not mature into the fine timber stands they envisioned, but often stagnated or had twisted trunks. It was the beginning of the realization that seed sources vary widely and must be matched to the planting site. Today, seed sources are selected with care and varieties of Scots Pine are favored to provide the species' best qualities, especially when planting for the Christmas tree market. In the country of Scotland, the name Scots pine is preferred over the use of the term Scotch pine.