Tree Identification - Scots Pine

Last time it was the turn of the Silver Birch, this time it is the mighty Scots Pine – (Pinus sylvestris which means “pine of the woods”). I have a few of these in my garden.

A coniferous tree also common throughout the UK and native to northern Europe – in fact it is the only native British Pine. Its needles grow in pairs up to 8cm long and are slightly twisted.

It has a scaly bark.

Pine wood burns well, although it has a tendency to spit. Due to its high levels of resin it makes excellent kindling. Its wood is also commonly used for all manner of wood products.

The needles of a Pine tree make an excellent tea, which contains plenty of vitamin C. Pine trees can also be consumed in various other ways as described by Euell Gibbons in an excerpt from his book Stalking The Healthful Herbs.