Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

History

In the Middle Ages a massive pine and birch forest blanketed most of the Highlands, and 4,000 years ago Scots Pine was commonplace in England as well, before being driven out by deciduous trees. Here it was often later planted in clumps on hilltops as a marker tree for drovers' tracks. Pine cones can be used for kindling, and their resin for an antiseptic oil.

Value For Wildlife

As a conifer, they provides helpful cover for birds in the Winter; Coal Tits, Goldcrests, and Crossbills are associated with the tree in particular. Scots Pine also provides for other wildlife, including moth caterpillars, weevils, beetles and Red Squirrels.

Plants For Sale

Like all the native trees we sell, our Scots Pines are grown in the UK from UK origin seed.In addition to bare root plants, we also offer Scots pine as small cell grown plants. These have some soil around their roots and are a sort of half way house between bare root and pot grown. Their root systems are pretty small but they will establish well. Pinus sylvestris is pretty slow growing, so the bigger plants are relatively expensive.

Suppliers: Perrie Hale Forest Nursery, RV Roger, British Hardwood Trees.

See our planting and size guide for details and tips on planting. These Scots Pine trees are mostly bare root (see below), and are consequently available for delivery from November until March. During the lifting season there may be up to a month's delay between placing the order and dispatching, due to weather conditions or pressure of orders, which are dealt with in date sequence. Orders for Pinus sylvestris trees placed between March and September are confirmed in October ready for dispatch from November.