Scots pine
Pinus sylvestris 路 Pinaceae 路 also Scotch pine
A tall pine of up to 35 m with blue-green needles in pairs and orange-red flaking bark on the upper trunk, becoming flat-topped and picturesque with age. Scotland's national tree and the keystone of the Caledonian pinewood, home to red squirrels, capercaillie and crossbills. Widely planted for timber, shelter and rewilding across Britain and Ireland.
Where it stands
Native
Care
Plant small container or bare-root trees in autumn on open, well-drained ground; protect from deer. No pruning needed beyond removing dead lower branches. Diseases include Dothistroma (red band) needle blight, needle cast, pine stem rust and root and butt rot; pine tree lappet moth is a potential defoliator in Scotland. Lives up to about 700 years.
Benefits
Good for