Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine

Pinus sylvestris, Scots Pine, is a common tree in the forests of Europe and is probably the world's most common conifer. It is sometimes recognised as two separate subspecies; subsp. sylvestris, which is found in mainland Europe and subsp. scotica, which is the native pine of the Caledonian forests of Scotland and one of only 3 native conifer species in the British flora. Most, if not all, of the Scots Pine grown in conifer plantations is of European provenance and referrable to subsp. sylvestris. Mature specimens have a long straight trunk and, often, a rather pointed, spire-like crown. Subsp. scotica is presumed to be derived from the Pine that colonised the post glacial landscape of Britain after the last ice age to form open forests that were eventually replaced by deciduous forests. It is usually branched and often forms a rounded canopy. It is only native in Scotland now but trees resembling subsp. scotica can be seen in parks (e.g. Margam Park) in West Glamorgan. The leaves of Scots Pine come in bundles of 2 and are a blue-grey colour. It has been widely planted in conifer plantations where it usually occupies the lower zones in upland forests. However, it is rarely planted anymore and does not occupy a significant position in British Forestry. It is susceptible to a large number of pests and diseases such as Red Band Needle Blight (Dothistroma septosporum).

Previously planted and also regenerating as a neophyte.