Practical
Plants

Pinus sylvestris

Scot's Pine

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Pinus genus in the family Pinaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Family
Pinaceae
Genus
Pinus
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Growth rate
vigorous
Height
25 m
Spread
10 m
Fertility
Self sterile, Wind
Flower type
monoecious
Pollinators
Wind

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The wood, sawdust and resins from various species of pine can cause dermatitis in sensitive people[20].

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Inner bark - dried and ground into a powder and used in making bread[15][30][3][10]. It is often mixed with oatmeal[5]. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails[5]. A vanillin flavouring is obtained as a by-product of other resins that are released from the pulpwood[16].

Product or use
Condiment
Plant part
Inner bark

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Scot's pine has quite a wide range of medicinal uses, being valued especially for its antiseptic action and beneficial effect upon the respiratory system. It should not be used by people who are prone to allergic skin reactions whilst the essential oil should not be used internally unless under professional supervision[22]. The turpentine obtained from the resin is antirheumatic, antiseptic, balsamic, diuretic, expectorant, rubefacient and vermifuge[24][6][25]. It is a valuable remedy in the treatment of kidney, bladder and rheumatic affections, and also in diseases of the mucous membranes and the treatment of respiratory complaints[24]. Externally it is used in the form of liniment plasters and inhalers[24]. The leaves and young shoots are antiseptic, diuretic and expectorant[35]. They are harvested in the spring and dried for later use[35]. They are used internally for their mildly antiseptic effect within the chest and are also used to treat rheumatism and arthritis[22]. They can be added to the bath water for treating fatigue, nervous exhaustion, sleeplessness, skin irritations[35]. They can also be used as an inhalant in the treatment of various chest complaints[35]. The essential oil from the leaves is used in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory infections, and also for digestive disorders such as wind[22]. An essential oil obtained from the seed has diuretic and respiratory-stimulant properties[22]. The seeds are used in the treatment of bronchitis, tuberculosis and bladder infections[22]. A decoction of the seeds can be applied externally to help suppress excessive vaginal discharge[22]. The plant is used in Bach flower remedies - the keywords for prescribing it are 'Self-reproach', 'Guilt feelings' and 'Despondency'[18]. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Invigorating'[19].

Product or use
Antirheumatic
Product or use
Antiseptic
Product or use
Aromatherapy
Product or use
Bach
Product or use
Balsamic
Product or use
Diuretic
Product or use
Expectorant

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

A tan or green dye is obtained from the needles[8]. The needles contain a substance called terpene, this is released when rain washes over the needles and it has a negative effect on the germination of some plants, including wheat[17]. A reddish yellow dye is obtained from the cones[27]. This tree yields resin and turpentine[29][30][2][9]. Oleo-resins are present in the tissues of all species of pines, but these are often not present in sufficient quantity to make their extraction economically worthwhile[29]. The resins are obtained by tapping the trunk, or by destructive distillation of the wood[24][29]. In general, trees from warmer areas of distribution give the higher yields[29]. Turpentine consists of an average of 20% of the oleo-resin[29] and is separated by distillation[24][29]. Turpentine has a wide range of uses including as a solvent for waxes etc, for making varnish, medicinal etc[24]. Rosin is the substance left after turpentine is removed. This is used by violinists on their bows and also in making sealing wax, varnish etc[24]. Pitch can also be obtained from the resin and is used for waterproofing, as a wood preservative etc. An essential oil obtained from the leaves is used in perfumery and medicinally[25][28]. A fibre from the inner bark is used to make ropes[5]. The roots are very resinous and burn well. They can be used as a candle substitute[5]. The leaves are used as a packing material[25]. The fibrous material is stripped out of the leaves and is used to fill pillows, cushions and as a packing material[31]. Trees are very wind resistant and quite fast growing. They can be planted as a shelterbelt, succeeding in maritime exposure[32][16]. Wood - light, soft, not strong, elastic, durable, rich in resin. Used in construction, furniture, paper manufacture etc.[6][25][2]. A good fuel but it is somewhat smokey[27][30][5].

Product or use
Dye
Product or use
Essential
Product or use
Fibre
Product or use
Fuel
Product or use
Herbicide
Product or use
Lighting
Product or use
Packing
Product or use
Resin
Product or use
Wood

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Canopy

Windbreak

Environment

Range
Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, Albania and temperate Asia.
Habitat
Forming woods in the mountains of Scotland[31][35].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
high
Hardiness
Zone 2+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
very acid, acid, neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerances
high wind, maritime exposure, drought
Wind
Yes
Maritime
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
tolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

It is best to sow the seed in individual pots in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if this is possible otherwise in late winter. A short stratification of 6 weeks at 4°c can improve the germination of stored seed[33]. Plant seedlings out into their permanent positions as soon as possible and protect them for their first winter or two[4]. Plants have a very sparse root system and the sooner they are planted into their permanent positions the better they will grow[K]. Trees should be planted into their permanent positions when they are quite small, between 30 and 90cm[16]. We actually plant them out when they are about 5 - 10cm tall. So long as they are given a very good weed-excluding mulch they establish very well[K]. Larger trees will check badly and hardly put on any growth for several years. This also badly affects root development and wind resistance[16]. Cuttings. This method only works when taken from very young trees less than 10 years old. Use single leaf fascicles with the base of the short shoot. Disbudding the shoots some weeks before taking the cuttings can help. Cuttings are normally slow to grow away[34].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Thrives in a light well-drained sandy or gravelly loam[1][4]. Trees grow well on poor dry sandy soils[4][34]. Fairly shade tolerant[13]. Prefers a light acid soil, becoming chlorotic at a pH higher than 6.5[13]. Trees can succeed for many years on shallow soils over chalk[12]. Tolerates chalk for a while, but trees are then short-lived[34]. Tolerates some water-logging[13]. Dislikes poorly drained moorland soils[1]. Established plants tolerate drought[13]. Very wind resistant[26][32], tolerating maritime exposure[7]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution[21]. Fairly long-lived, to 200 years or more and quite fast growing[12], but trees are very slow growing in wet soils[34]. Young trees can make new growth of 1 metre a year though growth slows down rapidly by the time the tree is 18 metres tall[12]. This species is extensively used in cool temperate forestry as a timber tree[16]. Plants are strongly outbreeding, self-fertilized seed usually grows poorly[16]. They hybridize freely with other members of this genus[16]. Cones take two seasons to ripen[31]. Plants are easily killed by fire and cannot regenerate from the roots[13]. A good food plant for the caterpillars of several species of butterflies[23]. This tree has over 50 species of associated insects[34]. Leaf secretions inhibit the germination of seeds, thereby reducing the amount of plants that can grow under the trees[11]. There are several named forms selected for their ornamental value[14]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[16].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  2. Polunin. O. Flowers of Europe - A Field Guide. Oxford University Press 1969-00-00 ISBN 0192176218

    ↩1↩2

  3. Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00

    ↩

  4. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  5. Johnson. C. P. The Useful Plants of Great Britain.

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  6. Triska. Dr. Hamlyn Encyclopaedia of Plants. Hamlyn 1975-00-00 ISBN 0-600-33545-3

    ↩1↩2

  7. Taylor. J. The Milder Garden. Dent 1990-00-00

    ↩

  8. Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0-02-544950-8

    ↩

  9. Hill. A. F. Economic Botany. The Maple Press 1952-00-00

    ↩

  10. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169

    ↩

  11. Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins 1979-00-00

    ↩

  12. Mitchell. A. F. Conifers in the British Isles. HMSO 1975-00-00 ISBN 0-11-710012-9

    ↩1↩2↩3

  13. Beckett. G. and K. Planting Native Trees and Shrubs. Jarrold 1979-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  14. Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7

    ↩

  15. Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-486-20459-6

    ↩

  16. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8

  17. Allardice.P. A - Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers Ltd. 1993-00-00 ISBN 0-304-34324-2

    ↩

  18. Chancellor. P. M. Handbook of the Bach Flower Remedies C. W. Daniel Co. Ltd. 1985-00-00 ISBN 85207 002 0

    ↩

  19. Westwood. C. Aromatherapy - A guide for home use. Amberwood Publishing Ltd 1993-00-00 ISBN 0-9517723-0-9

    ↩

  20. Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0395467225

    ↩

  21. Lauriault. J. Identification Guide to the Trees of Canada Fitzhenry and Whiteside, Ontario. 1989-00-00 ISBN 0889025649

    ↩

  22. Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996-00-00 ISBN 9-780751-303148

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

  23. Carter D. Butterflies and Moths in Britain and Europe. Pan 1982-00-00 ISBN 0-330-26642-x

    ↩

  24. Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7

  25. Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  26. Arnold-Forster. Shrubs for the Milder Counties.

    ↩

  27. Mabey. R. Plants with a Purpose. Fontana 1979-00-00 ISBN 0-00-635555-2

    ↩1↩2

  28. Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202

    ↩

  29. Howes. F. N. Vegetable Gums and Resins. Faber

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

  30. Freethy. R. From Agar to Zenery. The Crowood Press 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-946284-51-2

    ↩1↩2↩3

  31. Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-356-10541-5

    ↩1↩2↩3

  32. Rosewarne experimental horticultural station. Shelter Trees and Hedges. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 1984-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  33. McMillan-Browse. P. Hardy Woody Plants from Seed. Grower Books 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-901361-21-6

    ↩

  34. Rushforth. K. Conifers. Christopher Helm 1987-00-00 ISBN 0-7470-2801-X

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  35. Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn 1981-00-00 ISBN 0-600-37216-2

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

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