Extension Forestry

Scotch Pine Scotch Pine - Pinus sylvestris

Scotch Pine tree

The Scotch pine is not native to Iowa. It is a European species that was brought to this country by the English.  It has been planted widely in Iowa, both for farmstead windbreaks and ornamental use.  It is a fast-growing tree in early life, but most strains of it soon slow down in height growth and develop a flat, wide spreading top of gnarled and crooked branches.  Scotch pine grows 50 to 75 feet tall.

The 1-1/2 to 3 inch long, bluish needles occur in bundles of two and are twisted or spiral as they leave the twig.

The cone is small, 1 to 1-1/2 inches in length and sometimes remain on the trees for many years. The branching of the tree is quite open and the branches appear sparse.

  At the base of older trunks the bark is grayish brown to brownin color, but on the upper trunk and larger branches the bark is bright orange and flaky, with the outer bark peeling off in large scales.

Scotch Pine is no longer recommended for long term planting because of Pine Wilt Nematode. 
 

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Contact: Paul Wray

Last Update: January, 2001