Pines are among the most common trees in native coniferous forests. Thanks to their admirable ability to adapt to climatic conditions, they are widespread throughout the northern hemisphere - even in the most uneconomical regions. Their wood is highly valued in forestry and industry. Gardeners have also been enjoying cultivation for a long time. The decisive factor for private use is the numerous varieties and growth forms in which the pine occurs. Below you will first learn general characteristics that characterize each type of pine tree.
What are the main characteristics of a pine tree?
The pine (Pinus) is a coniferous tree that occurs in the northern hemisphere, grows up to 40 meters high and can live around 700 years. They are characterized by stable, rapid growth, pointed cones, thin green or blue needles and high resistance to pests.
General
- German name: Kiefer
- Latin name: Pinus
- Tree family: conifers (more rarely also shrubs)
- Number of species: approx. 111
- Achievable age: 700 years
- Gender: monoecious
External appearance features
Growth habit
- maximum height: 40 m
- Stem growth: monopodial (continuous from root to crown with branches, which differ in long and short shoots)
- extremely stable growth
- rapid growth
Fruits and Needle Dress
- pointed cones containing the seeds and pollen
- Length of cones: ranges from 2-60 cm
- Cones are initially green, then turn brown
- only open when the air is dry
- Seeds have small wings that allow them to travel a distance of 2 km
- Seed release: in spring, only in the second year
- Flowering time: in May
- Growth of the cones: initially upright, hanging or protruding when ripe
- Color of the needles: green or blue
- Shape of the needles: thin, different lengths
- Needles sometimes stay on the tree for up to 30 years
- Needles grow in a base (two to eight depending on the pine species)
- Length of seeds: 2.5-50 cm
- Thickness of seeds: 0.5-2.5 cm
Occurrences
Dissemination
- in the northern hemisphere
- in cool, humid climates
- rarely found in the tropics or subtropics
- the most common conifer in German forests
Soil requirements
- adapt to the ground very efficiently
- very undemanding
- prefers sandy soils
Common diseases and pests
- high resistance to almost all wood-eating pests
- Nevertheless, numerous diseases are known:
- Blueness (wood discoloration)
- Pine bark blister rust (fungus)
- Strobe Rust
- White snow mold
- Black snow mold
Other special features
Usage
- very important for forestry
- as timber (interior and exterior construction, furniture)
- for the production of chipboard
- as firewood
- Facade cladding
- Doors, windows, roofs
- Toys
- in gardening and landscaping
- in traffic
- for resin and pitch extraction (as a light source)
- Food supplier (for example pine nuts)
Meaning and Mythology
- very important especially in China, Japan and Korea
- Associated with long life and stability (due to old age)
- two-needle pine represents happiness in marriage
