Discover the beauty and history of Pinus Sylvestris, the only pine native to northern Europe. Also known as Scotch or Scots Pine, this tree has served as a vital resource in forestry, with its adaptable wood used for pulp and timber products. Introduced to North America in 1600, it's grown into a beloved symbol of the holiday season, commonly grown as a Christmas tree. What sets this pine apart? It’s the longer-than-average needles, the irregular pyramid shape when young, and the distinctive orange-red bark. This evergreen tree is a survivor, easily adapting to various soil types and thriving from sea level to high-altitude mountain areas. Its lifespan ranges from 150-300 years, with some specimens living to be over 700 years. Its leaves display a rich range of colors from glaucous blue-green to dark yellow-green in winter. It's also a species with a wide geographical reach, from Ireland and Great Britain in the west, stretching to Siberia in the east, and residing as south as the Caucasus Mountains and north as Lapland. Discover more about this robust and versatile tree with its unforgettable orange bark at plants.usda.gov.