Scots Pine
Pinus sylvestris
Originally a native tree. Pollen found in soil samples from bogs indicates that Scots pine was widespread in Ireland thousands of years ago, but became far less common, and it may even have died out completely. Most of the pines around the countryside now were imported from Scotland and planted over the last 150 years.
Collection
It is possible to grow pine from seed – the seeds are small with a single wing and fall easily from between the sections of ripe pine cones. Only collect cones in forests if you are sure they are Scots pine – most commercially grown conifers are not native species.
Storage/Sowing
Store seed dry in the fridge in a sealed polythene bag. Mix with sand mixture for stratification one month before you wish to sow in the spring and return to the fridge to stratify for one month. Then sow in fine soil, covering the seeds lightly. These must be kept damp but pine seedlings do not like to be waterlogged.
