Stone pine

Profile

Family

Pinaceae

Habit

Tree

Height

11 m

Spread

10 m

Growth

medium

Lifespan

175 years

First yield

after 17 years

Hardiness

zone 8–10

Shade tolerance

full sun

Soil

Sand, Silt

Soil moisture

dry – moist

pH

6 – 8

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: The seed can be consumed raw or cooked, offering a soft texture with a hint of resin in taste, suitable as a delicious snack or staple food. Commonly used in ice cream, cakes, pudding, and various dishes, these seeds can also be ground into powder to thicken and flavor soups and other meals. Measuring up to 20 mm x 10 mm, they serve as a significant source of pine nuts in the market. Additionally, a vanilla aroma can be extracted as a byproduct of other resins released from the pulpwood. Young fir cones can also be ground into powder and utilized as a flavoring agent.

Medicinal: Pine resin-derived turpentine offers various health benefits, acting as an antiseptic, diuretic, rubefacient, and vermifuge. It is used internally for kidney and bladder issues and externally for rheumatic conditions. Additionally, it may aid in respiratory problems such as coughs, colds, and flu. Externally, turpentine can be applied to skin conditions, wounds, burns, and boils using rubs, compresses, herbal steam baths, and inhalers.

Other uses: Pins are the main components of dyes and terpenes extracted from resin and turpentine. Resin is obtained by distilling wood, while turpentine is used as a solvent to produce varnishes and for medical purposes. Rosin is a by-product in the production of turpentine. Pitch is obtained from the resin, and the wood is used for carpentry and furniture making.

Growing

Thrives in well-draining sandy or gravelly loamy soil. Does not tolerate poorly draining moorland soils and shady locations. Established plants withstand drought. Also grows well in calcareous soil. This species is hardy to about -18°C. While sometimes considered somewhat sensitive in this country, it is fully hardy up to the southeast of Scotland. The Italian evergreen oak is extensively cultivated in Europe for its edible seeds. The 'Fragilis' variety has thin-walled seeds and is the most widespread form. Trees take between 10 and 20 years to produce cones from seeds. Plants are highly cross-pollinated, self-fertilized seeds usually grow poorly. This species does not hybridize with other members of this genus. Leaf secretions inhibit seed germination, reducing the number of plants that can grow under the trees. Plants of this genus are particularly susceptible to honey fungus.

Propagation

It is best to sow the seeds immediately after ripening in individual pots in a cold frame, or in late winter if possible. A brief stratification of 6 weeks at 4°C can improve the germination of stored seeds. Plant the seedlings as soon as possible in their final location and protect them for their first winter or two. The plants have a very sparse root system, and the earlier they are planted in their final location, the better they will grow. Trees should be planted when they are still quite small, between 30 and 90 cm. In fact, we plant them out when they are about 5-10 cm tall. With a very good weed mulch, they establish themselves very well. Larger trees are heavily pruned and grow little in the first few years, which also affects root development and wind resistance. Cuttings. This method only works for very young trees under 10 years old. Use individual leaf fascicles with the base of the short shoot. Bud break a few weeks before taking the cuttings can help. Cuttings usually grow slowly.

Origin & habitat

Southern Europe around the Mediterranean.

Rocky places and hills by the sea.

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