Swiss stone Pine

Description

Latin: Pinus cembra

Height: 40ft

Spread: 18 feet

Sun exposure: Full sun – light shade

Hardiness Zone: 2b

Root system: Taproot, deep laterals

Growth rate: Slow

Lifespan: 100+

Plug material

In Switzerland; these beautiful specimens are planted near houses and in gardens as symbols of good fortune. It is a popular ornamental tree in parks and landscapes giving steady, though not fast growth where the climate is cold. It is very tolerant of severe winter cold and wind exposure, hardy down to at least −50 °C.

Swiss stone pine is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy loams but will not tolerate standing wet soils. It can tolerate some light shade, though it prefers full sun. Swiss Stone Pine requires regularly watering while young. It is resistant to most diseases and insects.

Unlike many other pines, the Swiss Stone Pine remains thick and dense right down to the ground through most of its life. Very soft, dark green needles and brown cones with a purple tinge. Densely columnar, pyramidal in youth, becoming open and rounded when mature.

The seeds are also harvested and sold as pine nuts. Pine nuts are very nutritious, and are of high commercial value. Pine cones cut into slices are used to flavor schnapps; which is then sold as “Zirbenschnaps” or “Zirbeler” schnapps.

Seedling size is approximately 12” tall , 1 year old.