Maritime pine

From the western Mediterranean, Pinus pinaster is a tall, quite slow-growing, evergreen tree with a long, clear trunk, a round, later fan-shaped, very open crown and reddish-brown, deeply fissured bark. Stiff, glossy, grey-green needle-like leaves, up to 10”/25cm long, are borne in pairs. The insignificant yellow flowers are followed by shiny, slender, rich brown cones, 4”/10cm long, which can remain on the tree for years. Not unlike a Scots pine, it makes a handsome specimen tree, and is tolerant of air pollution. A great seaside tree, but definitely requires well drained soil.

Site: Tolerates exposure, including coastal exposure
Soil: Any well-drained soil; light, dry, sandy soil preferred
Position: Full sun
Hardiness: Fairly hardy
Height: eventually over 40’ (12m) Spread: 26’ (8m)