Accession Count: 6
Common Name:
Italian stone pine, umbrella pine
Family Name:
Pinaceae
Botanical Name:
Pinus pinea
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
An evergreen, P. pinea appears green year round and in autumn sports brown cones (3).
Compound:
Pin pine
Geographic Origin:
Mediterranean
Ecozone Origin:
Palearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
P. pinea is native to the Mediterranean.
Cultivation Notes:
The seed of Pinus pinea has a physiological dormancy and therefore the seed should be put through a period of stratification for 6 weeks at 4 °C in order to overcome dormancy. The tree does best when planted in its final position as soon as possible. Due to the relatively sparse roots the plant needs to be protected for its first few winters. Cuttings can also be used in cultivation but are generally slow growing and have to be taken from a young tree (1).
Ethnobotany:
This plant is most commonly known for the use of its nuts, understandably named pine nuts, and its production of rosin for use on violin bows (3). Pinus pinea has historically been used by humans as internal medicine for such ailments as cough, colds, influenza and TB; and externally for wounds, sores, burns, and boils (1).
A tan or green dye is obtained from the needles. Turpentine, taken from the bark, has multiple uses: a solvent for waxes, rosin for use on the bows of violins to help the string vibrate, and a sealing wax and varnish (1).
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
20 - 50 feet
Growth Rate:
Slow Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
Color:
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
