Identifying characteristics:
Scots pine forms an irregular, pyramidal shape when young, taking on an
individual form as it grows older. There is a tremendous amount of variation
in needle length and color, habit and hardiness within the species, depending
on seed source, growing conditions and influence of pests and diseases.
This tree is sometimes incorrectly called the "Scotch pine." The
30- to 60-foot tree may have a round, compact and symmetrical crown; a crown
that is irregular and scraggly; or a flat-topped, open and spreading crown.
The slender, twisted, bluish-green needles
are in fascicles of 2, are 1 to 4 inches long, and are marked with fine,
white lines of stomata (viewed with a hand lens). The needles frequently
change to yellow-green in winter. The yellow-brown cones
are 1 to 2 inches long and are produced in groups of 2 or 3, usually pointing
back along the branch. The umbos (protruding ends of the cone scales) are
usually raised and pyramidal, with a minute (or absent) prickle. Cones are
conical to ovoid, often symmetrical, and fall intact (no basal scales missing).
Trees begin producing seed after 10 to 15 years of age, and seeds are released
during winter and into spring. The terminal buds are 0.25 to 0.5
inches long, ovoid to ovoid-elongate, with blunt- or sharp-pointed tips
and red-brown scales. The bark is
the most distinctive characteristic of this tree-smooth, light orange-red,
peeling into papery flakes and strips on the upper parts of the tree. The
bark of the lower trunk is deeply fissured into large, irregular, longitudinal,
gray plates covered with orange scales.
Similar species:
Ecology:
Distribution: The Scots pine is the most widely distributed
pine in the world and was one of the first to be introduced to North America.
It occurs in most of northern Europe and Asia, from Scotland on the west
to Siberia in the east. It is planted throughout Iowa.
Habitat: This species is hardy from zone 2 to 8, but does not grow well in zone 8. It will grow in a variety of soils, as long as they are well-drained, but prefers acid soils. This species will tolerate poor, dry sites but requires full sun. Pines are subject to a number of fungal diseases and insect pests. Scots pine is particularly susceptible to Diplodia tip blight, Dothistroma needle cast and pine wilt nematode.
Uses:
Wood: In England, the wood of this species is called "red
deal," "yellow deal" and "red wood." It is reddish-brown,
soft and easily split. It is used in Europe for building construction. The
wood is also used for poles, boxes, crates and wood pulp. The Scots pine
is extensively planted in the eastern and central US, but it has never been
an important timber tree in this country, as it lacks the qualities of some
of the native pine species. Growers favor this tree as it grows moderately
fast, responds well to shaping, and is a prolific seed producer whose seeds
store well. This is the most popular of the short-needled pines for use
as a Christmas tree. The blue-green needles are densely packed and
needle retention is excellent.
Wildlife: Pines are of great importance to wildlife. Pine seeds are eaten by many birds, particularly the red crossbill, Clarke nutcracker and white-headed woodpecker. Hoofed browsers eat the twigs and foliage; and many other mammals, such as porcupines, squirrels and hares, feed on the bark, foliage and seeds. Pines serve as valuable roosting places for birds and as cover for wildlife. Several songbird species use the needles as nest material.
Horticulture: This tree is one of the most picturesque pines planted in Iowa. The distorted shape makes this an excellent tree for specimen and group planting. Cultivars include 'Argentea,' with pronounced silvery foliage, and 'Beuvronensis,' a low, slow-growing, bushy form. This species is recommended for conservation plantings in western Iowa because of its resistance to drought and tolerance of calcareous soils. Sandy waste sites benefit from the stabilizing influences of the moderately deep, wide-spreading root system.
