Maritime Pine
Pinus pinaster
- Native to:
- Algeria, Baleares, Corse, France, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Tunisia
Jean-Pol GRANDMONT
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Pinaceae
- Genus:
- Pinus
- Species:
- Pinus pinaster
- USDA Symbol:
- PIPI6
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 4000 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
Pyroderces badia
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Serotinous cones release seeds after fire; thick bark provides some fire resistance.
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:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 4-8 weeks to break dormancy; sow in well-drained seed compost.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)