How to identify Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster)

How to identify Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster)

Maritime pine, also known as Boornemouth pine, Bournemouth pine

Maritime pine is characterized by its sturdy, reddish-brown bark and robustness, reaching impressive heights up to 100 feet (30 meters). The needles are notably long, averaging around 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm), and are typically presented in bundles of two. The pine cones of maritime pine mature to a length of about 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm), with a strong, woody texture and a classic conical shape. It exhibits a high branching habit, giving it a rugged, picturesque profile typical of evergreen pines.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Maritime pine

Two needles per cluster, occasionally three, measuring 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, with serrated margins.

Rugged, deeply fissured bark with a thick, scaly texture in shades of grey-brown.

Seed cones transitioning from green to chestnut brown, 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long, opening gradually for seed dispersion.

Sturdy, robust growth reaching heights up to 100 feet (30 meters), exhibiting a high branching habit.

Tough, flexible leaves in clusters, exhibiting parallel vein patterns and green to yellow-green coloring.

Detailed Traits of Maritime pine

Leaf Features

The leaves of maritime pine are long, spreading needles, typically measuring 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length. They exhibit a green to yellow-green color and are finely serrated along the margins. These needles are organized in clusters of 2, but occasionally 3, which is a key identifying feature. The texture is tough but flexible, and the vein pattern is parallel, running the length of each needle. Their unique arrangement and serrated edges make them easily distinguishable.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of maritime pine manifests as robust seed cones, ranging from 4 to 8 inches (10-20 cm) in length. Initially a vibrant green, the cones transition to a chestnut brown as they mature over a 2-year period. Their texture evolves from smooth to more rugged with maturity. Upon maturation, these cones gradually open to dispense seeds intermittently, rather than releasing all seeds at once. The seed dispersion process reflects an adaptation to the variable conditions of their native habitat.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Maritime pine and Their Similar Plants

Eastern white pine vs. Maritime pine: What's The Difference?

Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) is a long-lived evergreen tree native to mixed forests of temperate zones in eastern North America. It is considered one of the tallest trees in its native area. Eastern white pine has a straight-grained lightweight wood, highly valued in construction.

Scots pine vs. Maritime pine: What's The Difference?

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) is a native Eurasian pine plant that grows on nutrient-poor, dry, rocky soils. Given the name, it should come as no surprise that scots pine is the national tree of Scotland. It is also important within the forestry industry due to its use for wood pulp and timber.

Mugo pine vs. Maritime pine: What's The Difference?

Mugo pine (Pinus mugo) is a pine tree species native to Europe. These relatively small pine trees are popular in landscaping due to their convenient size. Mugo pine gives off an aromatic pine smell.

Loblolly pine vs. Maritime pine: What's The Difference?

Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) is the second-most common tree in the United States after the red maple. The loblolly pine has the largest sequenced genome with 22 billion base pairs. Its genome is 7 times larger than the human genome.

Italian stone pine vs. Maritime pine: What's The Difference?

Italian stone pine (italian stone pine) is an evergreen tree whose rounded, umbrella-like canopy provides plenty of shade. It thrives in full sun and is drought-tolerant. Its pine cones produce the popular and delicious pine nuts, a valuable food crop that can be harvested, dried and eaten.

Ponderosa pine vs. Maritime pine: What's The Difference?

The ponderosa pine tree is one of the most common pine trees. It grows straight and tall, up to 76 m, with a deep root that makes it resistant to wind and drought. These trees can live for hundreds of years and are often used for their wood.

Austrian pine vs. Maritime pine: What's The Difference?

Austrian pine (Pinus nigra) is an evergreen conifer that is native to Mediterranean Europe but has become naturalized in other countries, where it is planted for ornamental purposes and as a windbreak. The trees can grow up to 55 m tall and are very long-lived, with some specimens surviving up to 500 years.

Lodgepole pine vs. Maritime pine: What's The Difference?

Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) is indigenous to western North America. It’s a species known for its longevity—botanists have found trees that are older than 600 years. It was a favorite source of timber for Native Americans. The primary way they used it (as its name suggests) was to build lodgepoles.

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Key Facts About Maritime pine

Attributes of Maritime pine

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

20 m to 35 m

Spread

7 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

8 cm to 15 cm

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Maritime pine

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster)

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Distribution Map of Maritime pine

Maritime pine, esteemed for its robust qualities, is indigenous to regions of the Mediterranean basin. Its cultivation extends beyond its native range, fostering a presence in parts of the corresponding temperate zones. While maritime pine has been introduced to various continents, its adaptability in certain areas may lead to ecological shifts, as observed where it is sometimes thought to be invasive. Nonetheless, the plant is commonly cultivated, suggesting a broader acceptance in diverse environments without significant disruption to ecosystems.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Maritime pine

A Comprehensive Guide to Maritime pine How to Grow and Care for Maritime pine