Scotch Pine or Scots Pine - Pinus

 sylvestris

Habitat

• native in Europe, from Norway to Spain, and in parts of Asia

Habit and Form

• evergreen tree

• has a conical shape in youth, later becoming flat-topped, spreading tree with age

• can be very attractive when mature

• 30' to 50' tall, with an almost equal spread

• medium texture

• medium growth rate

Summer Foliage

• stiff, serrated, green to blue-green needles

• 2 needles per fascicle

• needles have a 360 degree twist

• needles vary greatly in length, 1.5 to 4" long

Autumn Foliage

• no fall colour (evergreen)

• needles persist for 3 years

Flowers

• monoecious

• no ornamental value

Fruit

• dull brown cone, 1" to 3" long

• small, fat conical

• held alone or in clusters of 2 or 3

Bark

• gray-brown, but peels to show a red-orange colour

• red-orange colour is especially striking on the upper trunk and branches

• new stems are green and change to brown

• bark peels in thin scales giving a shredded appearance

• cones fall from tree at maturity

Healing power:

Just like in case of other pines, its essential oil can be used for treating respiratory and circulatory problems.

In folk medicine its fresh sprouts are used to scent your bath; also in case of catching a cold it can be used for inhaling.  The extract is used for making syrup.

Use:

By dry distillation its leaves, branches and cone, excellent quality pine oil can be made, is good as expectorant, and inhaler for patients suffering from catarrh or common cold.  

The essential oil extracted from the tree is less intense; it has a revitalizing and painkilling effect, which is used for making soap, bathing foam and salt.

Aromatic leaves are mixed into potpuri; cones may be hanged for scenting. Cones are also used for adding flavour to wine and beer. The pine-resin gives the aroma of the famous Greek wine, retsina.

The extract of the stem is an active ingredient in products enhancing hair growth.

Tea made from young twig sprouts is used to cure bronchitis, rheumatism and joint gout.  

The alcoholic solution of its oil in small amounts is has diuretic effect; when having bronchitis it helps secretion. In large amounts it has the opposite effects.

Enhancing health

Homeopathic:alking, in scrofuloand to give way.inger-joints. Cramps in calves.

Pinus Sylvestris treatment for Skin ailments: Nettle-rash. Itching all over, especially about joints and on abdomen. Nose itches.

Sponsors:

Ministry of National Resources

University of Szeged

KEFAG Zrt.

Future of Europe Association