Maritime Pine

Pinus pinaster

Native to:
Algeria, Baleares, Corse, France, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Tunisia

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Taxonomy

Division:
Coniferophyta | - Conifers
Family:
Pinaceae
Genus:
Pinus
Species:
Pinus pinaster
USDA Symbol:
PIPI6

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Tree
Height:
3500 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Keystone Species Ranking

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

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Pyroderces badia

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 in mature trees; resprouts from epicormic buds after moderate fire. Adapted to Mediterranean fire regimes.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
4.5 - 7.0 (acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
adapted to coastal and inland sandy areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment; light not required but warm temperatures (20-25°C) improve germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI