| Menu list goes here |
Herbal Database Search Results
Back
to: Pathways Main Search
Page For Metaphysical uses
visit The Witchs Haven
Pinus sylvestris
| Common name: |
Scot's Pine |
Family: |
Pinaceae |
| Author: |
L. |
Botanical references: |
11, 17, 200 |
| Synonyms: |
Pinus rubra (Mill.) |
| Known Hazards: |
The wood, sawdust and resins from various species of pine can cause dermatitis in sensitive people[222]. |
| Range: |
Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, Albania and temperate Asia. |
| Habitat: |
Forming woods in the mountains of Scotland[7, 9]. |
| Edibility Rating (1-5): |
2 | Medicinal Rating (1-5): | 3 |
| Other Possible Synonyms: | From various places across the web, may not be correct. See below. |
| P. nigra f. pygmaea[G]
P. silvestris[E,H]
P. sylvestris var. mongolica[G]
|
| Other Common Names: | From various places around the Web, may not be correct. See below. |
| Colophonium [E], Grove Den [D], Pine [H], Pino Albar [E], Scotch Pine [H,E,P,L,B], Scots Pine [FEIS,L,DEN1], |
| Epithets: | From a Dictionary of Botanical Epithets |
|
sylvestris = of woods
sylvestris = of woods
|
| Systematics: | From a USDA Plants Database |
|
Order: Pinales. Pine family
|
| Other Range Info: |
From the Ethnobotany Database |
|
Egypt
Eurasia Finland Japan Spain
|
Physical Characteristics
An evergreen tree growing to 25m by 10m at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone 2. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from March to June. The scented flowers are monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and are pollinated by Wind.
The plant not is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
We rate it 2/5 for edibility and
3/5 for medicinal use.
The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.
The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.
It requires dry moist or wet soil and can tolerate drought.
The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Habitats and Possible Locations
Bog Garden, Woodland, Canopy.Edible Uses
Condiment
Inner bark.
Inner bark - dried and ground into a powder and used in making bread[2,
66, 105, 177]. It is often mixed with oatmeal[115]. A famine food, it is only
used when all else fails[115].
A vanillin flavouring is obtained as a by-product of other resins that are
released from the pulpwood[200].
Medicinal Uses
Disclaimer
Antirheumatic
Antiseptic Aromatherapy Bach Balsamic Diuretic Expectorant.
Scot's pine has quite a wide range of medicinal uses, being valued
especially for its antiseptic action and beneficial effect upon the
respiratory system. It should not be used by people who are prone to allergic
skin reactions whilst the essential oil should not be used internally unless
under professional supervision[254].
The turpentine obtained from the resin is antirheumatic, antiseptic,
balsamic, diuretic, expectorant, rubefacient and vermifuge[4, 13, 46]. It is
a valuable remedy in the treatment of kidney, bladder and rheumatic
affections, and also in diseases of the mucous membranes and the treatment of
respiratory complaints[4]. Externally it is used in the form of liniment
plasters and inhalers[4].
The leaves and young shoots are antiseptic, diuretic and expectorant[9].
They are harvested in the spring and dried for later use[9]. They are used
internally for their mildly antiseptic effect within the chest and are also
used to treat rheumatism and arthritis[254]. They can be added to the bath
water for treating fatigue, nervous exhaustion, sleeplessness, skin
irritations[9]. They can also be used as an inhalant in the treatment of
various chest complaints[9].
The essential oil from the leaves is used in the treatment of asthma,
bronchitis and other respiratory infections, and also for digestive disorders
such as wind[254].
An essential oil obtained from the seed has diuretic and
respiratory-stimulant properties[254]. The seeds are used in the treatment of
bronchitis, tuberculosis and bladder infections[254]. A decoction of the
seeds can be applied externally to help suppress excessive vaginal
discharge[254].
The plant is used in Bach flower remedies - the keywords for prescribing it
are 'Self-reproach', 'Guilt feelings' and 'Despondency'[209].
The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is
'Invigorating'[210].
Other Uses
Dye
Essential Fibre Fuel Herbicide Lighting Packing Resin Shelterbelt Wood.
A tan or green dye is obtained from the needles[168].
The needles contain a substance called terpene, this is released when rain
washes over the needles and it has a negative effect on the germination of
some plants, including wheat[201].
A reddish yellow dye is obtained from the cones[6].
This tree yields resin and turpentine[64, 66, 100, 171]. Oleo-resins are
present in the tissues of all species of pines, but these are often not
present in sufficient quantity to make their extraction economically
worthwhile[64]. The resins are obtained by tapping the trunk, or by
destructive distillation of the wood[4, 64]. In general, trees from warmer
areas of distribution give the higher yields[64]. Turpentine consists of an
average of 20% of the oleo-resin[64] and is separated by distillation[4, 64].
Turpentine has a wide range of uses including as a solvent for waxes etc, for
making varnish, medicinal etc[4]. Rosin is the substance left after
turpentine is removed. This is used by violinists on their bows and also in
making sealing wax, varnish etc[4]. Pitch can also be obtained from the resin
and is used for waterproofing, as a wood preservative etc.
An essential oil obtained from the leaves is used in perfumery and
medicinally[46, 61].
A fibre from the inner bark is used to make ropes[115].
The roots are very resinous and burn well. They can be used as a candle
substitute[115].
The leaves are used as a packing material[46]. The fibrous material is
stripped out of the leaves and is used to fill pillows, cushions and as a
packing material[7].
Trees are very wind resistant and quite fast growing. They can be planted as
a shelterbelt, succeeding in maritime exposure[75, 200].
Wood - light, soft, not strong, elastic, durable, rich in resin. Used in
construction, furniture, paper manufacture etc.[13, 46, 100]. A good fuel but
it is somewhat smokey[6, 66, 115].
Cultivation details
Thrives in a light well-drained sandy or gravelly loam[1, 11]. Trees
grow well on poor dry sandy soils[11, 81]. Fairly shade tolerant[186].
Prefers a light acid soil, becoming chlorotic at a pH higher than 6.5[186].
Trees can succeed for many years on shallow soils over chalk[185]. Tolerates
chalk for a while, but trees are then short-lived[81]. Tolerates some
water-logging[186]. Dislikes poorly drained moorland soils[1]. Established
plants tolerate drought[186]. Very wind resistant[49, 75], tolerating
maritime exposure[166]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution[226].
Fairly long-lived, to 200 years or more and quite fast growing[185], but
trees are very slow growing in wet soils[81]. Young trees can make new growth
of 1 metre a year though growth slows down rapidly by the time the tree is 18
metres tall[185]. This species is extensively used in cool temperate forestry
as a timber tree[200].
Plants are strongly outbreeding, self-fertilized seed usually grows
poorly[200]. They hybridize freely with other members of this genus[200].
Cones take two seasons to ripen[7].
Plants are easily killed by fire and cannot regenerate from the roots[186].
A good food plant for the caterpillars of several species of
butterflies[30]. This tree has over 50 species of associated insects[81].
Leaf secretions inhibit the germination of seeds, thereby reducing the
amount of plants that can grow under the trees[18].
There are several named forms selected for their ornamental value[188].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200].
Propagation
It is best to sow the seed in individual pots in a cold frame as soon
as it is ripe if this is possible otherwise in late winter. A short
stratification of 6 weeks at 4° c can improve the germination of stored
seed[80]. Plant seedlings out into their permanent positions as soon as
possible and protect them for their first winter or two[11]. Plants have a
very sparse root system and the sooner they are planted into their permanent
positions the better they will grow[K]. Trees should be planted into their
permanent positions when they are quite small, between 30 and 90cm[200]. We
actually plant them out when they are about 5 - 10cm tall. So long as they
are given a very good weed-excluding mulch they establish very well[K].
Larger trees will check badly and hardly put on any growth for several years.
This also badly affects root development and wind resistance[200].
Cuttings. This method only works when taken from very young trees less than
10 years old. Use single leaf fascicles with the base of the short shoot.
Disbudding the shoots some weeks before taking the cuttings can help.
Cuttings are normally slow to grow away[81].
Scent
-
Leaves: Crushed
- No details on scent.
Cultivars
- ''
- No entries have been made for this species as yet.
Suppliers
Plants For A Future is working with the following groups to try and make these plants easily available. Parts of the proceeds will be donated to so please mention us when ordering.
- Cool Temperate Nurseries
-
10 Ivy Grove
Nottingham
NG7 7LZ
Email: philcorbett53@hotmail.com
Phone 0115 847 8302
Fax 0115 847 8302
Distribution: UK
How to order: Direct from Cool Temperate by email/phone
Notes: Many Trees supplied on their own rootstock
Last Updated: April 03
Item:
Pinus sylvestris
(Scots Pine)
Item:
Pinus sylvestris
(Scots Pine)
For more details of plant suppliers please see our Suppliers Page which lists many more places to look.
PFAF Web Pages
This plant is mentioned in the following web pages
Web References
- Details of Medicinal Uses, Habitats, etc. in M. Grieve A Modern Herbal (1931) [4]
- [H] Details of Scandanavian and European Common names in Henriette's names database
- [L] Scientific and Common Names (some photos)
from Lepidoptera and some other life forms
- [E] Ethnobotany Data
(common names, uses, countries) from the Ethnobotany Database.
- [V] Images
from the Vascular Plant Image Gallery of the Texas A& M Bioinformatics Working Group.
- [B] Data
(Latin & Common names, other references) from the BONAP's Synonymized Checklist of the Vascular Flora of the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
- [G] Data
(Common Names, Uses, Distribution) from the USDA/ARS NPGS's GRIN taxonomic database.
- [PHARM] Phytochemical Data
(common names, uses, countries) from Dr Duke's Phytochemical Database.
- [P] Data.
(uses, distribution, wetland) from the USDA'a Plants database.
- [HP] Links, Photos, Suppliers from Hortiplex Plant Database
- [DEN] Data _ Photos
(Good Identification info) from the Virginia Tech's Dendrology Deptarments' Tree Fact Sheets.
- [FEIS] Data
(Uses, Ecology, Fire Effects) from the USDA Forestry Service Fire Effects Information System.
References for Pinus silvestris (a possible synonym).
References for pinus sylvestris (a possible synonym).
References for the family Pinaceae.
See the PFAF Links Pages for other sources.
Also try Photos and info from the The Plants Database which has 14,000 images.
[K] Ken Fern
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
[1] F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951
Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).
[2] Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972 ISBN 0-486-20459-6
Lots of entries, quite a lot of information in most entries and references.
[4] Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9
Not so modern (1930's?) but lots of information, mainly temperate plants.
[6] Mabey. R. Plants with a Purpose. Fontana 1979 ISBN 0-00-635555-2
Details on some of the useful wild plants of Britain. Poor on pictures but otherwise very good.
[7] Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald 1984 ISBN 0-356-10541-5
Covers plants growing in Europe. Also gives other interesting information on the plants. Good photographs.
[9] Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn 1981 ISBN 0-600-37216-2
Covers plants in Europe. a drawing of each plant, quite a bit of interesting information.
[11] Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981
A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.
[13] Triska. Dr. Hamlyn Encyclopaedia of Plants. Hamlyn 1975 ISBN 0-600-33545-3
Very interesting reading, giving some details of plant uses and quite a lot of folk-lore.
[17] Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962
A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures.
[18] Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins 1979
Details of beneficial and antagonistic relationships between neighbouring plants.
[30] Carter D. Butterflies and Moths in Britain and Europe. Pan 1982 ISBN 0-330-26642-x
An excellent book on Lepidoptera, it also lists their favourite food plants.
[46] Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959
An excellent and very comprehensive guide but it only gives very short descriptions of the uses without any details of how to utilize the plants. Not for the casual reader.
[49] Arnold-Forster. Shrubs for the Milder Counties.
Trees and shrubs that grow well in &ndndndnd and other mild areas of Britain. Fairly good, a standard reference book.
[61] Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974 ISBN 0094579202
Forget the sexist title, this is one of the best books on the subject. Lists a very extensive range of useful plants from around the world with very brief details of the uses. Not for the casual reader.
[64] Howes. F. N. Vegetable Gums and Resins. Faber
A very good book dealing with the subject in a readable way.
[66] Freethy. R. From Agar to Zenery. The Crowood Press 1985 ISBN 0-946284-51-2
Very readable, giving details on plant uses based on the authors own experiences.
[75] Rosewarne experimental horticultural station. Shelter Trees and Hedges. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 1984
A small booklet packed with information on trees and shrubs for hedging and shelterbelts in exposed maritime areas.
[80] McMillan-Browse. P. Hardy Woody Plants from Seed. Grower Books 1985 ISBN 0-901361-21-6
Does not deal with many species but it is very comprehensive on those that it does cover. Not for casual reading.
[81] Rushforth. K. Conifers. Christopher Helm 1987 ISBN 0-7470-2801-X
Deals with conifers that can be grown outdoors in Britain. Good notes on cultivation and a few bits about plant uses.
[100] Polunin. O. Flowers of Europe - A Field Guide. Oxford University Press 1969 ISBN 0192176218
An excellent and well illustrated pocket guide for those with very large pockets. Also gives some details on plant uses.
[105] Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976
The most comprehensive guide to edible plants I've come across. Only the briefest entry for each species, though, and some of the entries are more than a little dubious. Not for the casual reader.
[115] Johnson. C. P. The Useful Plants of Great Britain.
Written about a hundred years ago, but still a very good guide to the useful plants of Britain.
[166] Taylor. J. The Milder Garden. Dent 1990
A good book on plants that you didn't know could be grown outdoors in Britain.
[168] Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. 1974 ISBN 0-02-544950-8
A very good and readable book on dyeing.
[171] Hill. A. F. Economic Botany. The Maple Press 1952
Not very comprehensive, but it is quite readable and goes into some a bit of detail about the plants it does cover.
[177] Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984 ISBN 3874292169
An excellent book for the dedicated. A comprehensive listing of latin names with a brief list of edible parts.
[185] Mitchell. A. F. Conifers in the British Isles. HMSO 1975 ISBN 0-11-710012-9
A bit out of date (first published in 1972), but an excellent guide to how well the various species of conifers grow in Britain giving locations of trees.
[186] Beckett. G. and K. Planting Native Trees and Shrubs. Jarrold 1979
An excellent guide to native British trees and shrubs with lots of details about the plants.
[188] Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990 ISBN 0-86318-386-7
Excellent range of photographs, some cultivation details but very little information on plant uses.
[200] Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
[201] Allardice.P. A - Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers Ltd. 1993 ISBN 0-304-34324-2
A well produced and very readable book.
[209] Chancellor. P. M. Handbook of the Bach Flower Remedies C. W. Daniel Co. Ltd. 1985 ISBN 85207 002 0
Details the 38 remedies plus how and where to prescribe them.
[210] Westwood. C. Aromatherapy - A guide for home use. Amberwood Publishing Ltd 1993 ISBN 0-9517723-0-9
An excellent little pocket guide. Very concise.
[222] Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. 1990 ISBN 0395467225
A concise book dealing with almost 500 species. A line drawing of each plant is included plus colour photographs of about 100 species. Very good as a field guide, it only gives brief details about the plants medicinal properties.
[226] Lauriault. J. Identification Guide to the Trees of Canada Fitzhenry and Whiteside, Ontario. 1989 ISBN 0889025649
Very good on identification for non-experts, the book also has a lot of information on plant uses.
[245] Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8
An excellent, comprehensive book on scented plants giving a few other plant uses and brief cultivation details. There are no illustrations.
[254] Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996 ISBN 9-780751-303148
An excellent guide to over 500 of the more well known medicinal herbs from around the world.
Readers Comments
Pinus sylvestris
Unknown
Tue Oct 31
20:10:52 2000
Common name is Scots Pine (not Scot's - delete
the apostrophe!)
Pinus sylvestris
Lukasz Luczaj
(sluczaj@box43.gnet.pl)
Thu Feb 28 16:19:58 2002
Young shoots of Pinus sylvestris are soft and tasty (though
very resinous). It is still common in the Polish countryside to make a
syropy beverage by soaking these soft shoots in water and sugar.
I also adore them raw or add them to pasta sauces, they taste exactly
like pesto.
Main Search Page
Help
Bibliography
Plant information taken from the
Plants For A Future -
Species Database.
Copyright (c) 1997-2003.
WEB search engine by Rich Morris - Home Page- Contact Info
Blagdon Cross, Ashwater, Beaworthy, Devon, EX21 5DF, UK.
Website: www.pfaf.org Phone: 0845 458 4719/_44(0) 1208 872963 This page (UK) http://www.comp.leeds.ac.uk/cgi-bin/pfaf/arr_html?Pinus+sylvestris
This page (US) http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Pinus+sylvestris
|
This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons License.
(You can copy, distribute, display this works but: Attribution is required, its for Non-Commercial purposes, and it's Share Alike (GNUish/copyleft) i.e. has an identical license.)
We also ask that you let us know (michael@thewitchshaven.com) if
you link to, redistribute, make a derived work or do anything groovy with this information.
|
|
& (c) 2007 