Taxonomy

Division:

Coniferophyta | - Conifers

Family:

Pinaceae

Genus:

Pinus

Species:

Pinus sylvestris var. hamata

USDA Symbol:

PIKO3

Growth Characteristics

Height:

3500 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

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

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Mature trees have thick bark providing fire resistance. Resprouts from surviving cambium after low-intensity fires.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

Prefers open, sunny locations in its native range.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days

Germination Time:

14–28 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification. Light is not required but surface sowing improves results.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI