Taxonomy

Division:

Coniferophyta | - Conifers

Family:

Pinaceae

Genus:

Pinus

Species:

Pinus brutia var. pityusa

USDA Symbol:

PIST5

Growth Characteristics

Height:

2500 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Thick bark provides fire resistance. Resprouts from protected buds after moderate fire damage.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

Thrives in coastal and mountainous regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–28 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification. Light not required for germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI