PINUS PINEA

Botanical Name: Pinus pinea
Common Names: Stone Pine, Italian Stone Pine, Umbrella Pine, Pino Piñonero
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates sandy, rocky, and poor substrates
Water Needs: Low; highly drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Dense, umbrella-shaped canopy with long, slender, green needles
Flowers: Inconspicuous; produces woody cones containing edible seeds (pine nuts)
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

Uses:
Ornamental Tree: Pinus pinea is prized for its striking, umbrella-like form, making it an iconic feature in Mediterranean landscapes, coastal plantings, and large public or private gardens.

Edible Seed Production: Widely cultivated for its piñones (pine nuts), used in Mediterranean cuisine and valued for their nutritional content.

Windbreaks and Reforestation: Used for erosion control, reforestation, and as a natural windbreak in arid and coastal regions.

Benefits:
Drought Resistance: Well adapted to dry, hot climates with minimal water needs once established.

Low Maintenance: Very hardy and long-lived; tolerates poor soils, coastal winds, and drought without requiring intensive care.

Ecological Value: Provides habitat for birds and wildlife, while contributing to biodiversity and landscape stability.

Longevity and Structure: With its architectural silhouette and evergreen presence, Pinus pinea offers timeless structure and year-round visual impact.

Pinus pinea is a classic and resilient tree that defines the Mediterranean landscape. Valued both for its iconic shape and edible seeds, it is an ideal choice for sustainable, low-maintenance gardens and large-scale plantings in dry climates.