Elizabeth is a Permaculture Garden Designer, Sustainability Consultant and Professional Writer, working as an advocate for positive change. She graduated from the University of St. Andrews with an MA in English and Philosophy and obtained a Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design from the Permaculture Association.
Reviewed By DAN ORI
Dan has over 27 years’ under his belt caring for plants and gardens. Working as a Horticultural Instructor and Consultant, he draws on a diverse range of experience that includes working as a Head Gardener, Tree Surgeon, Garden Centre Trouble Shooter, and writer of academic papers. Dan has a Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture and is currently a candidate for the RHS’s most prestigious award – The Master of Horticulture.
IN THIS GUIDE
- 1) Scots Pine
- 2) Douglas Fir
- 3) Noble Fir
- 4) Norway Spruce
- 5) Western Hemlock
- 6) Corsican Pine
- 7) Sitka Spruce
- 8) Lodgepole Pine
- 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
- Watch Out For Pines!
- References
A pine tree is a coniferous tree with long needle-shaped leaves.
Some don’t stop growing until they’re 150 years old and can live up to 1,000 years.1The UK’s oldest tree. (2018, June 28). Woodland Trust. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2018/06/the-oldest-tree-in-the-uk-how-long-do-trees-live/
The biggest pine tree recorded is the Ponderosa Pine, at a jaw-dropping height of 268.35 feet!2Riggs, K. (2017, February 21). Oregon Forest Home for World’s Tallest Living Pine Tree. USDA. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2011/12/08/oregon-forest-home-worlds-tallest-living-pine-tree
For those who prefer something a little smaller, the Siberian dwarf pine is native to North-East Asia and grows up to 3m in height with compact branches.
On the whole, plants in the Coniferous family tend to have leaves that don’t fall off.
However, as with all rules, there are a few exceptions to this, which we’ll highlight throughout this post.
The majority of pine trees are native to the Northern Hemisphere, and most countries have their own native species of pine.
In this article, we take a look at twenty types of pine tree 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 found throughout Britain – from the Scottish Highlands all the way down to the New Forest.
So, let’s start our pine tree exploration!
1) Scots Pine
- BOTANICAL NAME: Pinus sylvestris
- HARDINESS RATING: H7
- UK NATIVE
To begin, it seems appropriate to start the list with one of the ‘backbones’ of the pine ecosystem: the Scots pine.
After the Ice Age, this species of pine tree spread into northern Scotland.3Smout, C. (2014). The History and the Myth of Scots Pine. Scottish Forestry Trust. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.scottishforestrytrust.org.uk/userfiles/file/projects/p13-243%20inaugural%20rsfs%20annual%20lecture/scots%20pine.pdf
While native to Europe and Asia, today it can be mainly found in the Scottish Highlands, and the Pinus sylvestris is now known as Scotland’s national tree.4The national tree. (2014, January 30). Botanics Stories. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://stories.rbge.org.uk/archives/10267
The Scots Pine lives up to 300 years and can grow as tall as 36m in height.5The Famous Scots Pine at Loch of the Lowes. (2019, May 30). Scottish Wildlife Trust. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/2019/05/the-famous-scots-pine-at-loch-of-the-lowes/
It supports many species of insect, and it produces egg-shaped cones with small prickles.
For some notable Scots pines worth visiting, start by taking a trip to Muirward Wood in Perthshire to visit the ‘King of the Forest’.
This tree has the largest trunk in the UK, with a 6m wide trunk and 31m height.6Scots pine. (n.d.). Forestry and Land Scotland. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://forestryandland.gov.scot/learn/trees/scots-pine
There’s also the ‘Twin trees of Finzean’ to visit, where two trees formed a natural arch to create an ‘H’.
2) Douglas Fir
- BOTANICAL NAME: Pseudotsuga menziesii
- HARDINESS RATING: H6
Named after Scottish botanist David Douglas, the first seed of the Douglas fir was sent from North America to the UK in 1791.7Douglas fir. (n.d.). Forestry and Land Scotland. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://forestryandland.gov.scot/learn/trees/douglas-fir
However, its botanical name – Pseudotsuga menziesii – stems from its original discovery by Archibald Menzies in 1791.
With a lifespan of up to 500 years, the Douglas fir has been grown in the UK for over two hundred years.
Today, the tallest of the species can be found in Reelig Glen in Inverness – with a whopping 64m 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, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-26729935
The leaves of the species are flat and soft, and are relatively small with a maximum length of 4cm.
And, when crushed, the needles give off a strong citrus-like smell.
It’s regarded as the best of edible conifers because of this – perfect for adding to cups of tea!
As a conifer, the Douglas fir is no exception when it comes to growing pines.
The male flowers are pollen cones up to 3cm in size, and the female flowers grow up to 10cm long in size.
3) Noble Fir
- BOTANICAL NAME: Abies procera
- HARDINESS RATING: H7
With its native roots in Washington and Oregon, the Noble Fir – Abies procera – was introduced to the UK by the previously mentioned David Douglas.9Noble fir. (n.d.). Forestry and Land Scotland. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://forestryandland.gov.scot/learn/trees/noble-fir
The noble fir is striking – it’s regularly used for Christmas Trees in places like Denmark, and across Europe to create wreaths.
Interestingly, its scientific name – Abies procera – literally means ‘tall’, and this is particularly apt as the noble fir can grow up to 45m in height.10Christmas Tree – Abies procera. (n.d.). North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/abies-procera/common-name/christmas-tree/
Its needles grow upwards at right angles to the branch.
It also grows in the traditional ‘Christmas tree’ shape with a narrow crown, and tends to grow in places with high altitudes.
To find your nearest noble fir, there are a few notable examples of this species throughout the country.
From the 40m fir at Heaven’s Gate in Longleat Forest to the 55m fir in Big Trees Walk, there are some spectacularly tall and striking examples of Noble firs throughout Britain.11Tall trees trail at Blackwater. (n.d.). Forestry England. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.forestryengland.uk/blackwater/tall-trees-trail-blackwater
4) Norway Spruce
- BOTANICAL NAME: Picea abies
- HARDINESS RATING: H7
For us Brits, the Norway spruce is the epitome of the Christmas tree fir.
This is the most commonly selected species of pine that makes its way to living rooms across the country throughout December!
The Norway spruce is native to Europe – and, as the name suggests, Norway – and was widely planted in Britain at the end of the 19th century.12Norway Spruce (Picea abies). (n.d.). Woodland Trust. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://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 are still alive today and can reach heights of up to 40m.13Norway spruce. (n.d.). Forestry and Land Scotland. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://forestryandland.gov.scot/learn/trees/norway-spruce
The reddish-brown cones of the Norway spruce are unique, with long cones that tend to hang down rather than up.
Its timber is tough, making it the perfect material for indoor building work.
It has also earned the name ‘violin wood’, due to its sound transmitting properties.
As it was planted so vastly, the Norway spruce has roots throughout the UK as it was originally planted for forestry.
If you’re looking for your nearest spruce, look out for square-shaped needle-like leaves with fine white speckles.
You’ll also be able to identify them through their unique shape, and their downward-growing red-brown crones.
5) Western Hemlock
- BOTANICAL NAME: Tsuga heterophylla
- HARDINESS RATING: H6
- RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT
The Western Hemlock is another example of a Northern American pine which has made its way to Britain!14Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). (n.d.). Woodland Trust. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/western-hemlock/
In 1852, botanist John Jeffrey introduced the Western Hemlock to British shores, and today it’s one of the most common conifers in the UK.15Western Hemlock. (2014, February 5). Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://glasgowbotanicgardens.co.uk/projects/national-tree-collections-of-scotland/tree-trail-online/11-western-hemlock/
One of the most interesting facts about this species of pine is that its needles, when crushed, smell like grapefruit!
It shares the ‘Hemlock’ part of its name with the herb hemlock due to the shared scent.
The needle-like leaves are soft to the touch, flat and have characteristic white bands underneath them.
The species also comes with some mild controversy over its scientific name – Tsuga heterophylla.
During Queen Victoria’s reign, she asked for the name to be changed to Tsuga albertiana for her husband, Albert.16D, C. (2020, October 9). Western Hemlock Tree – Tsuga Heterophylla. GraftinGardeners Ltd. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://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 grow up to heights of 50m during its 500+ year lifespan.17Western hemlock. (n.d.). Forestry and Land Scotland. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://forestryandland.gov.scot/learn/trees/western-hemlock
To identify your nearest Western Hemlock, look out for the ‘randomly arranged’ needles and widespread leaves and branches.
If you’re on the hunt for a Western Hemlock near you, it’s generally grown in local parks and sometimes in private gardens.
6) Corsican Pine
- BOTANICAL NAME: Pinus nigra subsp. laricio
- HARDINESS RATING: H7
Native to Corsica – as the name suggests – the Corsican pine is a species of black pine.
It’s characterised by its straight trunk and light branches and can live for up to 500 years.18Corsican Pine or Black Pine. (n.d.). Woodlands.co.uk. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.woodlands.co.uk/blog/tree-identification/corsican-pine-or-black-pine/
Originally, 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. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://academic.oup.com/forestry/article-abstract/8/1/14/523587
Today, it’s often used for telegraph poles, although it’s not known for its durability.
Known as part of the P. nigra subsp. laricio, it grows best as timber in the south and the east of the UK, where there are marginally lower levels of rainfall and higher volumes of sunshine.
Due to its characteristics, however, there has been a huge shift in the importance of the Corsican pine which shouldn’t be underestimated.
Research by the Forest Commission has found that due to global climate change forecasts, the Corsican pine may thrive in warmer climates and that an expansion of its growth is particularly important over the next 30 years.20Broadmeadow, M., & Ray, D. (2005, June). Climate Change and British Woodland. Forest Research. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://cdn.forestresearch.gov.uk/2022/02/fcin069-2.pdf
If you’re looking for your nearest Corsican pine, look out for one in your nearest park, churchyard or local large gardens!
You’ll also be likely to find birds nearby, as a wide range of bird species feed on their seeds.
7) Sitka Spruce
- BOTANICAL NAME: Picea sitchensis
- HARDINESS RATING: H7
As the fifth-largest conifer in the world, if you live in Scotland, the Sitka Spruce is the most common pine species that you’ll find in a forest near you.21Sitka spruce. (n.d.). Forestry and Land Scotland. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://forestryandland.gov.scot/learn/trees/sitka-spruce
Its name stems from Sitka in Alaska and it originates from North America.
The main reason for the popularity of the Sitka is not just its fast-growing speed (up to 1.5m each year) but because of the versatility of its timber.
Incredibly, the commercial wood industry rests on the success of Sitka trees, as Sitka timber can be used for paper, boat-building, construction, pallets, packaging, and more.
It’s also not too picky on where it grows – and can even grow successfully in poor soil.
With a whopping 600-year lifespan, the Sitka grows up to 100m in height and is often found in UK forests.
8) Lodgepole Pine
- BOTANICAL NAME: Pinus contorta
- HARDINESS RATING: H6
- RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT
The Lodgepole pine stands tall at up to 50m in height.22Lodgepole pine. (n.d.). Forestry and Land Scotland. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://forestryandland.gov.scot/learn/trees/lodgepole-pine
With its distinctive slim shape and high branches, the Lodgepole pine – Pinus contorta – often loses its lower branches as it matures.23Pinus contorta | lodgepole pine. (n.d.). Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/13066/pinus-contorta-lodgepole-pine-beach-pine/details
While native to North America, the lodgepole has a rich history.
Its name stems from the use of the straight poles of the tree to support the lodges of Native Americans.
Today, the species covers over 50 million acres in North America.24Report on the Heath of Colorado’s Forests. (2002). Lodgepole Pine Forests. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://static.colostate.edu/client-files/csfs/pdfs/06fhr.pdf
Back in the UK, the Lodgepole pine graced our shores in 1855, and because of its tolerance to poor soil, it quickly became a useful timber crop in Britain – especially in Scotland.
One of the most interesting facts about this species is that its cones need high temperatures to open and release seeds, which is why many believe that the Pinus contorta won’t be here forever.
To find your own Lodgepole pine, there are plenty to be seen in Scotland and the north of England.
For a particularly notable example, take a look at the 26.5m tall 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, from https://www.monumentaltrees.com/en/gbr/scotland/perthandkinross/10765_errolpark/
If you want to sneak a peek at the 50m species, you’ll need to nip across the pond to North America.
9) Eastern Hemlock
- BOTANICAL NAME: Tsuga canadensis
- HARDINESS RATING: H7
10) Bosnian Pine
- BOTANICAL NAME: Pinus heldreichii
- HARDINESS RATING: H6
- RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT
11) Dwarf Mountain Pine
- BOTANICAL NAME: Pinus mugo
- HARDINESS RATING: H7
- RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT
12) Weymouth Pine
- BOTANICAL NAME: Pinus strobus
- HARDINESS RATING: H7
- RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT
13) Schwerin’s Pine
- BOTANICAL NAME: Pinus × schwerinii
- HARDINESS RATING: H7
- RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT
14) Japanese White Pine
- BOTANICAL NAME: Pinus parviflora
- HARDINESS RATING: H7
- RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT
15) Stone Pine
- BOTANICAL NAME: Pinus pinea
- HARDINESS RATING: H4
- RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT
16) Mexican Yellow Pine
- BOTANICAL NAME: Pinus patula
- HARDINESS RATING: H4
- RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT
17) Japanese Red Pine
- BOTANICAL NAME: Pinus densiflora
- HARDINESS RATING: H7
- UK NATIVE
18) Monterey Pine
- BOTANICAL NAME: Pinus radiata
- HARDINESS RATING: H5
- RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT
19) Bhutan Pine
- BOTANICAL NAME: Pinus wallichiana
- HARDINESS RATING: H6
- RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT
20) Golden Scots Pine
- BOTANICAL NAME: Pinus sylvestris ‘Aurea’
- HARDINESS RATING: H7
- RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT
Identifying A Pine Tree
Spotting conifers is straightforward, but how can you tell the difference between a Pine, Fir or a Spruce tree?
Well, pine trees have a few distinctive features to look out for. These include:
- The needles of pine trees grow in clusters from a single point – most often in clusters of 2, 3 or 5
- The needles are usually longer than those on other conifers
- The branches on pines are generally upturned and there are fewer branches on a pine tree
- The cones hang towards the ground, rather than in an upward direction as firs do.
Watch Out For Pines!
While the word ‘pine tree’ may spring to mind messy Christmas trees, walks in the park or pine cones, there are a wide range of pine trees and various species to be found throughout the UK.
While only the Scot’s pine (P. sylvestris) is native to the UK, non-native pines may hold the key to the future of our wildlife, environment and timber production.
For those readers who live in Scotland, many of the most spectacular versions of each of these examples can be found on your doorstep!
For everyone else, take a stroll to your local public park to see what you can find – one such example is the traditional Christmas tree, the Norway Spruce.
Happy pine tree hunting!
