Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris)
| Needle retention | Excellent: needles hold even when the tree is dry |
|---|---|
| Fragrance | Long-lasting pine scent |
| Needles | Stiff paired needles, 1–3 in depending on variety |
| Ornaments | Stiff branches suit both light and heavy ornaments |
| Color | Bright green to dark green or bluish |
| Grown in | Native to Europe and Asia, introduced by settlers; widely planted across the eastern US and Canada |
| USDA zones | 2-7 (for planting a living tree; find your zone by ZIP) |
Worth knowing
- Historically the most common Christmas tree in the US.
- Stays fresh through the normal 3–4 week season when watered.
Care notes
Whatever the species: make a fresh half-inch cut off the trunk before it goes in the stand, use a stand that holds a quart of water per inch of trunk diameter, top it up daily, and keep the tree away from heat. Details in the care guide.
Sources: National Christmas Tree Association: Tree Varieties · NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox