Pinus sylvestris

Overview

Kew accepts Pinus sylvestris L. in the family Pinaceae. Its native range runs from Europe into the Caucasus and the Russian Far East, and Greece is explicitly listed among its native territories.

Upper bark is orange-red; lower bark is dark and fissured. Paired blue-green needles have a water-saving waxy coating. Normally monoecious and wind-pollinated, the tree produces winged seeds released as cones respond to wet and dry conditions.

The European Atlas of Forest Tree Species describes it as a light-demanding pioneer. It can establish on poor soils and tolerates frost and drought. Across its wide Eurasian range it holds considerable genetic variation.

Origins & earliest records

Kew records first publication in Linnaeus's Species Plantarum (1753), page 1000. This is naming history, not the date the species arose.

Evidence & interpretation

Kew naming and distribution; European Atlas morphology and ecology.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   Species Plantarum

   Linnaeus · 1753

   Selected bibliography; place of first publication as recorded by Kew (p. 1000).

2. 02

   Pinus sylvestris in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

   · n.d.

   Selected bibliography; European Atlas of Forest Tree Species species account.

Family, evolution & connections

Taxonomic classification

A hierarchy of classified groups, not a chain of direct ancestors.

Source note: Accepted name and family follow Plants of the World Online.

1. FamilyPinaceae
2. SpeciesPinus sylvestris L.

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. Taxonomic databasePinus sylvestris L. | Plants of the World OnlineResearch access: 2026-10-07
2. Reference atlasPinus sylvestris in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threatsResearch access: 2026-10-07

Image credits

A black silhouette of a curved pine twig with clusters of long needle leaves.

Attributed silhouette labelled Pinus sylvestris in the individual source record; retained whole raster shows an outline, without colour, exact locality or diagnostic detail.