Aleppo Pine
Pinus halepensis
- Native to:
- Albania, Algeria, Baleares, Corse, East Aegean Is., France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Morocco, NW. Balkan Pen., Palestine, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Tunisia, Türkiye
علاء
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Pinaceae
- Genus:
- Pinus
- Species:
- Pinus halepensis
- USDA Symbol:
- PIHA7
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 2500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis), Nantucket pine tip moth (Rhyacionia frustrana), pine devil moth (Citheronia sepulcralis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Serotinous cones open after fire, releasing seeds onto ash beds; mature trees have thick bark and survive low-intensity fires.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- poor, sandy, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 5.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in nutrient-poor conditions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)