Skip navigation |
BritishTrees [Accessibility Options]

Corsican pine

The Corsican pine comes from southern Europe and is commonly planted in shelter-belts and forestry plantations on sandy soils.

What other names does it have?

Generic namePine
Latin namePinus nigra subsp. laricio
Family namePine
Latin family namePinaceae

What type of tree is it?

Is it a broadleaf or conifer?It is a conifer
Does it lose its leaves in autumn?No, it is evergreen

Species description:

Average height18-45m

Leaf

DescriptionThe long needles are found in pairs and are usually slightly twisted
ShapeNeedle
SizeAround 12cm long
ColourGreen-grey
Leaf stalkNo stalk
Leaf arrangementIn bunches

Flower, seed, and fruit

Fruit colourGrey brown when ripe
Type of seed bodyCone

Bark and twig

Bark descriptionScaley plates with large fissures. Grey-mauve in colour
Twig DescriptionStrong twigs which are yellow-brown in colour

What other trees are similar?

Can easily be confused with?
  • Maritime pine- this has longer needles and bent back bud scales
  • Ponderosa pine - longer needles in 3s
  • Austrian pine- this has shorter needles and darker bark

Where is it usually found?

Is it native or non-native to the British Isles?Non-native - introduced
Where is its natural range?Corsica and Southern Italy from Calabria to Sicily
Preferred soil type or environmental conditions?An alpine species found at 1100-1600m. Likes sandy sites. Can withstand salt exposure and drought well. A widely planted forestry tree, also common in shelterbelts and parks
What is its British conservation status?Frequent

Additional information

Human uses of tree and timberWidely grown for its timber which has numerous uses.

Additional notes

The foliage is full of volatile oils, so the danger of forest fires in hot, dry condition is serious.

Usually a good bole

Showing flowers

Illustrations supplied by
Collins

Collins Tree Guide