IN THIS pathfinder
A pine tree is a cone-bearing tree with longsighted needle - shaped leaves .
Some do n’t stop growing until they ’re 150 year old and can live up to 1,000 years.1The UK ’s oldest tree . ( 2018 , June 28 ) . Woodland Trust . recall March 22 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2018/06/the-oldest-tree-in-the-uk-how-long-do-trees-live/
The biggest pine Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree recorded is the Ponderosa Pine , at a jaw - dropping stature of 268.35 feet!2Riggs , K. ( 2017 , February 21).Oregon Forest Home for World ’s marvelous Living Pine Tree . USDA . Retrieved March 22 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2025-01-04/oregon-forest-home-worlds-tallest-living-pine-tree
For those who prefer something a little smaller , the Siberian dwarf pine tree is native to North - East Asia and get up to 3 mebibyte in height with compact branches .
On the whole , flora in the Coniferous familytend to have leaves that do n’t diminish off .
However , as with all linguistic rule , there are a few elision to this , which we ’ll highlight throughout this berth .
The legal age of pine tree are native to the Northern Hemisphere , and most country have their own native species of pine .
In this clause , we take a looking at at twenty types of pine tree diagram that can be grown in the UK .
Although not all are native to the United Kingdom , there are plenty of beautiful examples of pine tree that can be set up throughout Britain – from the Scottish Highlands all the mode down to the New Forest .
So , let ’s set about our pine tree exploration !
1) Scots Pine
To begin , it seems appropriate to start the list with one of the ‘ moxie ’ of the pine ecosystem : the Scots pine tree .
After the Ice Age , this species of pine Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree spread into northerly Scotland.3Smout , C. ( 2014).The History and the Myth of Scots Pine . Scottish Forestry Trust . recall March 22 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.scottishforestrytrust.org.uk/userfiles/file/projects/p13-243%20inaugural%20rsfs%20annual%20lecture/scots%20pine.pdf
While aboriginal to Europe and Asia , today it can be mainly found in the Scottish Highlands , and thePinus sylvestrisis now get laid as Scotland ’s national tree.4The national tree . ( 2014 , January 30 ) . Botanics Stories . retrieve March 22 , 2023 , fromhttps://stories.rbge.org.uk/archives/10267
The Scots Pine lives up to 300 yr and can maturate as marvellous as 36 metre in height.5The Famous Scots Pine at Loch of the Lowes . ( 2019 , May 30 ) . Scottish Wildlife Trust . Retrieved March 22 , 2023 , fromhttps://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/2019/05/the-famous-scots-pine-at-loch-of-the-lowes/
It supports many coinage of dirt ball , and it produce egg - shaped cones with small prickles .
For some notable Scottish pine tree deserving visiting , protrude by taking a slip to Muirward Wood in Perthshire to visit the ‘ King of the Forest ’ .
This tree has the largest trunk in the UK , with a 6 m across-the-board trunk and 31 m height.6Scots pine . ( n.d . ) . Forestry and Land Scotland . retrieve March 22 , 2023 , fromhttps://forestryandland.gov.scot/learn/trees/scots-pine
There ’s also the ‘ Twin Tree of Finzean ’ to visit , where two Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree formed a rude arch to make an ‘ H ’ .
2) Douglas Fir
nominate after Scottish plant scientist David Douglas , the first seed of the Douglas true fir was sent from North America to the UK in 1791.7Douglas fir . ( n.d . ) . Forestry and Land Scotland . remember March 22 , 2023 , fromhttps://forestryandland.gov.scot/learn/trees/douglas-fir
However , its botanical name – Pseudotsuga menziesii – stem from its original find by Archibald Menzies in 1791 .
With a lifespan of up to 500 years , the Douglas fir has been maturate in the UK for over two hundred year .
Today , the tallest of the species can be found in Reelig Glen in Inverness – with a banging 64 m in height – that ’s more than 220 feet!8Four of Britain ’s tallest trees in glen near Inverness . ( 2014 , March 25 ) . BBC News . Retrieved March 22 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-26729935
The leaves of the metal money are bland and flaccid , and are comparatively small with a maximal length of 4 cm .
And , when jam , the needle give off a strong citrus - like smell .
It ’s regard as the good of eatable conifers because of this – utter for adding to cups of Camellia sinensis !
As a conifer , the Douglas true fir is no exclusion when it comes to growing pines .
The male flowers are pollen cones up to 3 cm in size , and the distaff flowers uprise up to 10 curium long in size .
3) Noble Fir
With its native roots in Washington and Oregon , the Noble Fir – Abies procera – was introduced to the UK by the antecedently observe David Douglas.9Noble fir . ( n.d . ) . Forestry and Land Scotland . retrieve March 22 , 2023 , fromhttps://forestryandland.gov.scot/learn/trees/noble-fir
The noble true fir is striking – it ’s on a regular basis used for Christmas Trees in places like Denmark , and across Europe to create wreaths .
Interestingly , its scientific name – genus Abies procera – literally means ‘ tall ’ , and this is particularly disposed as the noble true fir can produce up to 45 m in height.10Christmas Tree – Abies procera . ( n.d . ) . North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox . think March 22 , 2023 , fromhttps://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/abies-procera/common-name/christmas-tree/
Its needles spring up upwards at right Angle to the branch .
It also grows in the traditional ‘ Christmas tree diagram ’ material body with a narrow tip , and incline to originate in lieu with eminent altitudes .
To find out your nearest noble true fir , there are a few noteworthy example of this species throughout the country .
From the 40 m true fir at Heaven ’s Gate in Longleat Forest to the 55 m fir in Big Trees Walk , there are some spectacularly tall and prominent examples of imposing firs throughout Britain.11Tall trees trail at Blackwater . ( n.d . ) . Forestry England . Retrieved March 22 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.forestryengland.uk/blackwater/tall-trees-trail-blackwater
4) Norway Spruce
For us Brits , the Norway spruce is the paradigm of the Christmas tree fir tree .
This is the most usually select species of pine tree that makes its way to live rooms across the commonwealth throughout December !
The Norway spruce is aboriginal to Europe – and , as the name suggests , Norway – and was wide planted in Britain at the end of the nineteenth century.12Norway Spruce ( Picea genus Abies ) . ( n.d . ) . Woodland Trust . think March 22 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/norway-spruce/
With a lifespan of 200 years , some of those planted during this period of time are still alive today and can reach heights of up to 40m.13Norway spruce . ( n.d . ) . Forestry and Land Scotland . Retrieved March 22 , 2023 , fromhttps://forestryandland.gov.scot/learn/trees/norway-spruce
The ruby-red - brown cone cell of the Norway spruce are unequalled , with recollective cones that tend to flow down rather than up .
Its timber is knotty , making it the gross material for indoor construction work .
It has also earned the name ‘ violin wood ’ , due to its good transmitting properties .
As it was plant so vastly , the Norway spruce has radical throughout the UK as it was originally plant for forestry .
If you ’re look for your nearest spruce , look out for square - shaped phonograph needle - like leaves with o.k. white speckles .
You ’ll also be able to discover them through their unique shape , and their downward - growing ruby-red - brown crones .
5) Western Hemlock
The Western Hemlock is another lesson of a northerly American pine which has made its way to Britain!14Western Hemlock ( Tsuga heterophylla ) . ( n.d . ) . Woodland Trust . Retrieved March 22 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/western-hemlock/
In 1852 , phytologist John Jeffrey introduced the Western Hemlock to British shores , and today it ’s one of the most common coniferous tree in the UK.15Western Hemlock . ( 2014 , February 5 ) . Glasgow Botanic Gardens . Retrieved March 22 , 2023 , fromhttps://glasgowbotanicgardens.co.uk/projects/national-tree-collections-of-scotland/tree-trail-online/11-western-hemlock/
One of the most interesting facts about this coinage of pine tree is that its needle , when break down , smell out like Citrus paradisi !
It shares the ‘ Conium maculatum ’ part of its name with the herbaceous plant hemlock due to the share scent .
The phonograph needle - like leaves are soft to the ghost , flat and have characteristic snowy band underneath them .
The mintage also come with some mild controversy over its scientific name – Tsuga heterophylla .
During Queen Victoria ’s reign , she require for the name to be changed toTsuga albertianafor her hubby , Albert.16D , C. ( 2020 , October 9).Western Hemlock Tree – Tsuga Heterophylla . GraftinGardeners Ltd. retrieve March 22 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.graftingardeners.co.uk/western-hemlock/
However , while it stuck for a while at the time , its original name is now more commonly used .
The Western Hemlock is often used for building due to its ability to firmly hold nails , and it can turn up to summit of 50 m during its 500 + yr lifespan.17Western hemlock . ( n.d . ) . Forestry and Land Scotland . think March 22 , 2023 , fromhttps://forestryandland.gov.scot/learn/trees/western-hemlock
To distinguish your nearest Western Hemlock , await out for the ‘ randomly arranged ’ phonograph needle and far-flung leave and branches .
If you ’re on the hunting for a Western Hemlock near you , it ’s generally grown in local park and sometimes in private garden .
6) Corsican Pine
Native to Corsica – as the name suggest – the Corsican pine tree is a mintage of black pine .
It ’s characterize by its straight trunk and light branches and can dwell for up to 500 years.18Corsican Pine or Black Pine.(n.d . ) . Woodlands.co.uk . Retrieved March 22 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.woodlands.co.uk/blog/tree-identification/corsican-pine-or-black-pine/
primitively , it came to the UK in 1759 and was used for railway sleepers.19Steven , H. ( 1934 , April 1).Corsican Pine In Great Britain . Oxford Academic : Forestry . retrieve March 22 , 2023 , fromhttps://academic.oup.com/forestry/article-abstract/8/1/14/523587
Today , it ’s often used for telegraph rod , although it ’s not known for its enduringness .
Known as part of theP. nigrasubsp.laricio , it grows well as timber in the south and the east of the UK , where there are marginally lower level of rainfall and high bulk of sunshine .
Due to its characteristics , however , there has been a immense shift in the importance of the Corsican pine tree which should n’t be underestimated .
enquiry by the Forest Commission has find that due to globular mood change forecast , the Corsican pine may thrive in warmer climates and that an enlargement of its growth is particularly significant over the next 30 years.20Broadmeadow , M. , & Ray , D. ( 2005 , June).Climate Change and British Woodland . Forest Research . Retrieved March 22 , 2023 , fromhttps://cdn.forestresearch.gov.uk/2022/02/fcin069-2.pdf
If you ’re look for your nearest Corsican pine , front out for one in your nearest commons , churchyard or local large garden !
You ’ll also be likely to find birds nearby , as a across-the-board range of bird species feed on their seeds .
7) Sitka Spruce
As the fifth - largest conifer in the Earth , if you live in Scotland , the Sitka Spruce is the most common pine species that you ’ll regain in a forest near you.21Sitka spruce . ( n.d . ) . Forestry and Land Scotland . Retrieved March 22 , 2023 , fromhttps://forestryandland.gov.scot/learn/trees/sitka-spruce
Its name stem from Sitka in Alaska and it originates from North America .
The independent reason for the popularity of the Sitka is not just its tight - grow fastness ( up to 1.5 meter each twelvemonth ) but because of the versatility of its timber .
Incredibly , the commercial-grade wood industry rests on the winner of Sitka Tree , as Sitka quality can be used for paper , boat - construction , building , pallets , packaging , and more .
It ’s also not too finicky on where it grows – and can even farm successfully in hapless soil .
With a whopping 600 - twelvemonth life-time , the Sitka grow up to 100 m in elevation and is often found in UK timber .
8) Lodgepole Pine
The Lodgepole true pine stands tall at up to 50 megabyte in height.22Lodgepole true pine . ( n.d . ) . Forestry and Land Scotland . Retrieved March 22 , 2023 , fromhttps://forestryandland.gov.scot/learn/trees/lodgepole-pine
With its distinctive svelte shape and high arm , the Lodgepole true pine – genus Pinus contorta – often miss its scummy branches as it matures.23Pinus contorta | lodgepole pine . ( n.d . ) . Royal Horticultural Society . remember March 22 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/13066/pinus-contorta-lodgepole-pine-beach-pine/details
While native to North America , the lodgepole has a rich story .
Its name stems from the enjoyment of the true poles of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree to support the gild of Native Americans .
Today , the coinage cover over 50 million Acre in North America.24Report on the Heath of Colorado ’s Forests . ( 2002 ) . Lodgepole Pine Forests . Retrieved March 22 , 2023 , fromhttps://static.colostate.edu/client-files/csfs/pdfs/06fhr.pdf
Back in the UK , the Lodgepole pine tree decorate our shore in 1855 , and because of its allowance to poor ground , it quickly became a utilitarian woodland craw in Britain – especially in Scotland .
One of the most interesting facts about this metal money is that its cones require high-pitched temperature to spread and expel seeds , which is why many consider that thePinus contortawon’t be here forever .
To find your own Lodgepole pine , there are plenty to be take in in Scotland and the north of England .
For a particularly notable model , take a look at the 26.5 m magniloquent Lodgepole pine in Errol Park , Errol.25Lodgepole Pine in the garden of Errol Park in Errol , Scotland , United Kingdom . ( 2013 ) . Monumental Trees . Retrieved March 22 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.monumentaltrees.com/en/gbr/scotland/perthandkinross/10765_errolpark/
If you want to filch a peek at the 50 m species , you ’ll need to nip across the pond to North America .
9) Eastern Hemlock
10) Bosnian Pine
11) Dwarf Mountain Pine
12) Weymouth Pine
13) Schwerin’s Pine
14) Japanese White Pine
15) Stone Pine
16) Mexican Yellow Pine
17) Japanese Red Pine
18) Monterey Pine
19) Bhutan Pine
20) Golden Scots Pine
Identifying A Pine Tree
Spotting conifers is aboveboard , but how can you tell the difference between a Pine , Fir or a Spruce tree ?
Well , pine trees have a few typical characteristic to seem out for . These include :
Watch Out For Pines!
While the word ‘ pine tree ’ may reverberate to heed mussy Christmas trees , walk in the commons or pine cones , there are a wide chain of mountains of pine trees and various species to be receive throughout the UK .
While only the Scot ’s pine ( P. sylvestris ) is native to the UK , non - native pines may hold the keystone to the future of our wildlife , environment and lumber production .
For those reader who live in Scotland , many of the most spectacular versions of each of these example can be found on your doorstep !
For everyone else , take a stroll to your local public parkland to see what you could discover – one such example is the traditional Christmas Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , the Norway Spruce .
Happy pine tree diagram hunting !
References
