PINACEAE 



Scotch Pine, Scotch Fir 



Pinus sylvestris L. 



HABIT. A large tree 60-80 feet high, with a trunk diameter 

 of 1-2 feet; the side branches persist, forming a massive, wide- 

 spreading crown. 



LEAVES. In clusters of two; 1^/2-3 inches long; stiff, more 

 or less twisted, spreading slightly from a short sheath; bluish- 

 or often glaucous-green. Persistent 3-4 years. 



FLOWERS. May-June; monoecious; the staminate ovoid, 

 short-stalked, yellowish, about J4 inch long ; the pistillate oblong, 

 reddish, short-stalked, about *4 inch long. 



FRUIT. Autumn of second season, falling as soon as ripe; 

 pendent, stout-stalked, ovoid-conical cones Ij4-2j4 inches long; 

 scales dull gray-brown, thickened at the apex into 4-sided, re- 

 curved points ; seeds red-brown, nearly *4 mc h long, with wings 

 about Y\ inch long. 



WINTER-BUDS. Oblong-ovoid, sharp-pointed, red-brown, 

 resinous, about J4 mc h long. 



BARK. Twigs reddish to orange-brown, becoming grayish ; 

 thick, dark orange-brown on old trunks and coarsely and deeply 

 fissured. 



WOOD. Light, stiff, straight-grained, strong, heavy, hard, 

 resinous, red-brown, with thick, yellow to reddish white sap- 

 wood. 



NOTES. Very rapid of growth. Reaches perfection only 

 in cold or elevated regions. Adapts itself to a variety of soils. 

 A valuable ornamental tree. Very useful for screens or shelter 

 belts. 



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