Scots pine
Pinus sylvestris
Scots pine, often sold as Scotch pine, has blue-green foliage and distinctive orange coloring on the upper trunk. It becomes more open and irregular as it matures.
- Needles per bundle
- 2
- Typical height
- 30–60 ft
- Typical spread
- 30–40 ft
- USDA hardiness
- 2–7
Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) is associated with europe and asia. Look for 2 needles per bundle, then confirm with other features and a regional identification guide.
How to recognize scots pine
Look for paired, twisted needles and orange upper bark on established trees. Use cones and regional context to separate it from other two-needle pines.
Where it grows well
A sunny, well-drained site is the starting point. It tolerates poor soils better than waterlogging. Check local guidance before planting outside its native range, including invasive potential and regional pest pressure.
Before you plant
A Christmas-tree plantation and a home landscape have different goals. A naturally grown Scots pine will not keep a tightly clipped holiday-tree outline without intervention. Choose it for its mature character and suitability, not just its young shape.
Hardiness and size vary with local conditions and provenance. Use the figures here as a starting point, then confirm with a local nursery or extension service. A hardiness zone alone does not establish suitability.
Source & further reading
Source consulted October 21, 2026. This profile is an editorial synthesis, not an on-site assessment.