Scotch pine

Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris), belonging to the Pine family (Pinaceae), is found in Europe, Asia, and North America. It is a coniferous tree with a deep root system. With its high-set crown, it grows to the height of 20 to 40 m, and lives up to 700 years. The needles are 4-8 cm long, growing in bundles of two. The trunk has a characteristic orange-brown bark with scaly sheets that peel off irregularly.

It is a resistant tree that can thrive in harsh conditions, often used for the afforestation of destroyed areas.

Pine wood is valuable. It is used to build houses, make furniture, floors, and other constructions, but also scobs and wood chips for heating.

It contains substances with healing effects, such as vitamin C, minerals, antioxidants, and flavonoids. In traditional medicine, respiratory problems, urinary tract infections, and other illnesses are treated with pine. It is also used for cosmetics and perfumery.

Pine has played a significant role in many cultures, symbolizing resistance, endurance, and longevity.

In Finland, The Scotch pine is considered as its national tree and is glorified in literature, art, and music.

Recent research has shown that the Scotch pine may have important ecological benefits due to its ability to bind carbon. The economic benefit of this wood is in its bioenergy potential.