We depend on donations from users of our database of over 8000 edible and useful plants to keep making it available free of charge and to further extend and improve it. In recent months donations are down, and we are spending more than we receive. Please give what you can to keep PFAF properly funded. More >>>

Follow Us:

 

pinus pinea - L.

Common Name Italian Stone Pine, Umbrella Pine, Stone Pine
Family Pinaceae
USDA hardiness 7-11
Known Hazards The wood, sawdust and resins from various species of pine can cause dermatitis in sensitive people[222].
Habitats Maritime sands and alluvium[89].
Range S. Europe around the Mediterranean.
Edibility Rating    (4 of 5)
Other Uses    (4 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
pinus pinea Italian Stone Pine, Umbrella Pine, Stone Pine


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pinus_pinea1.jpg
pinus pinea Italian Stone Pine, Umbrella Pine, Stone Pine
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:JoJan

 

Translate this page:

Summary

Bloom Color: Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Rounded, Vase.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of cone
pinus pinea is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen in April. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed
Edible Uses: Condiment

Seed - raw or cooked[1, 2, 4, 11, 34, 63]. Rich in oil, the seed has a soft texture with a hint of resin in the flavour. It makes a delicious snack and can also be used as a staple food[K]. The seeds are often added to ice cream, cakes, puddings etc[183]. They can also be ground into a powder and used as a thickener and flavouring in soups etc[K]. The seed is a good size, up to 20mm x 10mm, and is a major source of pine nuts in commerce[200]. A vanillin flavouring is obtained as a by-product of other resins that are released from the pulpwood[200]. Young pine cones can be ground into a powder and used as a flavouring.[183]

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


The turpentine obtained from the resin of all pine trees is antiseptic, diuretic, rubefacient and vermifuge[4]. It is a valuable remedy used internally in the treatment of kidney and bladder complaints and is used both internally and as a rub and steam bath in the treatment of rheumatic affections[4]. It is also very beneficial to the respiratory system and so is useful in treating diseases of the mucous membranes and respiratory complaints such as coughs, colds, influenza and TB[4]. Externally it is a very beneficial treatment for a variety of skin complaints, wounds, sores, burns, boils etc and is used in the form of liniment plasters, poultices, herbal steam baths and inhalers[4].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

Now available: PLANTS FOR YOUR FOOD FOREST: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens.

An important new book from PFAF. It focuses on the attributes of plants suitable for food forests, what each can contribute to a food forest ecosystem, including carbon sequestration, and the kinds of foods they yield. The book suggests that community and small-scale food forests can provide a real alternative to intensive industrialised agriculture, and help to combat the many inter-related environmental crises that threaten the very future of life on Earth.

Read More

FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

Dye  Herbicide  Resin  Wood

A tan or green dye is obtained from the needles[168]. The needles contain a substance called terpene, this is released when rain washes over the needles and it has a negative effect on the germination of some plants, including wheat[201]. Yields a resin and turpentine[57, 64, 171]. Oleo-resins are present in the tissues of all species of pines, but these are often not present in sufficient quantity to make their extraction economically worthwhile[64]. The resins are obtained by tapping the trunk, or by destructive distillation of the wood[4, 64]. In general, trees from warmer areas of distribution give the higher yields[64]. Turpentine consists of an average of 20% of the oleo-resin[64] and is separated by distillation[4, 64]. Turpentine has a wide range of uses including as a solvent for waxes etc, for making varnish, medicinal etc[4]. Rosin is the substance left after turpentine is removed. This is used by violinists on their bows and also in making sealing wax, varnish etc[4]. Pitch can also be obtained from the resin and is used for waterproofing, as a wood preservative etc. Wood. Used for carpentry, furniture making etc[100].

Special Uses

Carbon Farming  Food Forest

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Management: Standard  Minor Global Crop  Staple Crop: Protein-oil

Landscape Uses:Aggressive surface roots possible, Screen, Seashore, Specimen. Thrives in a light well-drained sandy or gravelly loam[1, 11]. Dislikes poorly drained moorland soils[1] and shady positions[160]. Established plants tolerate drought[200]. Succeeds in a chalky soil[11]. This species is hardy to about -18°c[160]. Although sometimes thought to be somewhat tender in this country, it is perfectly hardy as far north as south-east Scotland[185]. The trees transplant very badly if they are allowed to stay in one position for more than 2 years. This is usually a short-lived tree, rarely surviving for much more than 100 years[185]. The Italian stone pine is extensively planted for its edible seeds in Europe[81, 200]. The variety 'Fragilis' has thin shelled seeds and is the form most widely cultivated[200]. Trees take between 10 and 20 years to produce cones from seed[160]. One of our plants produced its first young female cone when 7 years old, though this did not mature because it was not fertilised[K]. A 20 year old plant at Kew was about 4.5 metres tall with a number of trunks and had more than 15 mature cones[K]. A very old specimen at Kew was carrying lots of 1st and 2nd year cones in July 1996[K]. The cones ripen in their third year and can then remain unopened on the tree for several years[1, 81, 200]. Plants are strongly outbreeding, self-fertilized seed usually grows poorly[200]. This species does not hybridize with other members of this genus[117]. Leaf secretions inhibit the germination of seeds, thereby reducing the amount of plants that can grow under the trees[18]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200]. Special Features: Not North American native, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms.

Carbon Farming

  • Management: Standard  Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.
  • Minor Global Crop  These crops are already grown or traded around the world, but on a smaller scale than the global perennial staple and industrial crops, The annual value of a minor global crop is under $1 billion US. Examples include shea, carob, Brazil nuts and fibers such as ramie and sisal.
  • Staple Crop: Protein-oil  (16+ percent protein, 16+ percent oil). Annuals include soybeans, peanuts, sunflower seeds. Perennials include seeds, beans, nuts, and fruits such as almond, Brazil nut, pistachio, walnut, hazel, and safou.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Fahrenheit:

image

The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

Shop Now

Propagation

It is best to sow the seed in individual pots in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if this is possible otherwise in late winter. A short stratification of 6 weeks at 4°c can improve the germination of stored seed[80]. Plant seedlings out into their permanent positions as soon as possible and protect them for their first winter or two[11]. Plants have a very sparse root system and the sooner they are planted into their permanent positions the better they will grow[K]. Trees should be planted into their permanent positions when they are quite small, between 30 and 90cm[200]. We actually plant them out when they are about 5 - 10cm tall. So long as they are given a very good weed-excluding mulch they establish very well[K]. Larger trees will check badly and hardly put on any growth for several years. This also badly affects root development and wind resistance[200]. Cuttings. This method only works when taken from very young trees less than 10 years old. Use single leaf fascicles with the base of the short shoot. Disbudding the shoots some weeks before taking the cuttings can help. Cuttings are normally slow to grow away[81].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Acinos alpinusAlpine CalamintPerennial0.5 4-8  LMHNDM11 
Carpinus betulusHornbeam, European hornbeam, Common Hornbeam, European HornbeamTree25.0 5-7 MLMHFSNM023
Carpinus carolinianaAmerican Hornbeam, Blue Beech, Ironwood, American HornbeamTree12.0 3-9 SLMHSNM112
Carpinus cordata Tree15.0 4-8 SLMHSNM002
Carpinus laxiflora Tree15.0 4-8  LMHSNM002
Lupinus albusWhite LupinAnnual1.2 0-0  LMNM414
Lupinus albus graecus Annual1.0 0-0  LMHNDM403
Lupinus angustifoliusBlue Lupin, Narrowleaf lupineAnnual1.0 7-9  LMNM404
Lupinus arboreusTree Lupin, Yellow bush lupineShrub1.5 7-10 FLMNDM005
Lupinus hirsutus Annual0.0 0-0  LMHNM203
Lupinus littoralisSeashore LupinePerennial0.5 6-9  LMHNM203
Lupinus luteusYellow Lupin, European yellow lupineAnnual0.6 5-9  LMNM303
Lupinus mutabilisPearl Lupin, TarwiAnnual1.5 8-11  LMHNM504
Lupinus nootkatensisBlue Lupine, Nootka lupinePerennial0.7 4-8  LMHNM303
Lupinus perennisSundial LupinePerennial0.6 4-8  LMNDM313
Lupinus polyphyllusBig-Leaf Lupin, LupinePerennial1.5 5-9 MLMHNM114
Lupinus tauris Shrub0.0 0-0  LMNDM003
Lupinus termisWhite LupinAnnual1.0 0-0  LMHNM203
Phyllocladus alpinusAlpine Celery PineShrub9.0 7-10 SLMHSNM001
Pinus albicaulisWhite-Bark PineTree20.0 4-8 SLMNDM423
Pinus aristataBristle-Cone PineTree12.0 3-10 SLMNDM222
Pinus armandiiChinese White Pine, Armand pineTree15.0 6-9 MLMNDM422
Pinus ayacahuiteMexican White PineTree55.0 6-9  LMNDM223
Pinus banksianaJack PineTree12.0 2-7 FLMNDM223
Pinus brutiaCalabrian pine, Turkish pineTree30.0 7-11 FLMHNDM233
Pinus bungeanaLace-Bark Pine, Bunge's pineTree10.0 4-7 SLMNDM323
Pinus californiarum Tree10.0 8-11  LMNDM123
Pinus caribaeaCaribbean Pine. Caribbean pitch pineTree30.0 10-12 FLMNDM223
Pinus cembraSwiss Stone Pine, Swiss Pine, Arolla PineTree15.0 3-9 SLMHSNDM423
Pinus cembra sibiricaSiberian PineTree30.0 1-6 SLMNDM423
1234

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Print Friendly and PDF

Expert comment

Author

L.

Botanical References

11200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

Laurel Davar   Thu May 13 03:29:31 2004

I found this information very useful, but would be grateful for a step by step way to propagate these trees from seeds for the climate of central California. I have seeds from one cone but would appreciate knowing a seed source in the US is case I am not successful with the seeds I now have. Thank you. Laurel Davar [email protected]

Nancy Hubbert   Wed Mar 1 2006

I have started seeds from 2 different sources. The seedlings from one look like upside-down umbrellas whereas those from the other source came up sort of like carrots. Are these both P. pinea of different subspecies?

WILLIAM CULLINANE   Fri Mar 3 2006

I HAVE 100 ACRES OF PINES PLANTED IN 2000 WHEN SHOULD I EXPECT TO HARVEST CONES

dg hicks   Fri Mar 10 2006

Cultivation details in this article are incorrect for this species: pinus pinea does not require a period of cold stratification, simply a 24 hour soak in water, followed by planting out. Germination rates with this technique approach 90%. Regarding the question of seedling appearance, the 'upside down umbrella' description fits the species. Time to harvest nuts from pinus pinea is about 30 years. For a reliable source of seed, check out JL Hudson seeds.

Simon Purser   Sat Feb 21 2009

We planted 45,000 pinus pinea trees for nut production between 2001 and 2006. Although growing well, they are yet to produce cones. The following website we found very useful. They grow in pretty much any soil except marsh. Most of ours are in clay. If you have any queries my email is [email protected], cheers Simon Purser http://www.newcrops.uq.edu.au/newslett/ncnl6153.htm

Newcrops Pinus Pinea: an edible nut pine of many uses

   Sep 25 2011 12:00AM

I was looking for information on when to harvest the seeds. We have trees growing around the place where I live and would be great if I could now what is the best time to go out and harvest the seeds they produce. Alex

   Mar 27 2013 12:00AM

Anyone growing Pinus pinea in South Carolina? I grow a couple dozen in pots and only 7 in the ground so far, just planted the 7 small ones (foot tall) in my yard in Nov. 2012. I suppose they will start growing in late spring. Half of Italian Stone Pines in the pots died. They are probably picky towards soil or watering.

Pinus pinea is listed by this nurseryman as tolerant of maritime exposure.   Jan 7 2015 12:00AM

Alba Trees lists this as being tolerant of maritime exposure, and as there are numerous images of it growing near the sea which can be found by Googling "Pinus pinea y the sea", I think this is incorrect and should be changed.
Alba Trees

Add a comment

If you have important information about this plant that may help other users please add a comment or link below. Only comments or links that are felt to be directly relevant to a plant will be included. If you think a comment/link or information contained on this page is inaccurate or misleading we would welcome your feedback at [email protected]. If you have questions about a plant please use the Forum on this website as we do not have the resources to answer questions ourselves.

* Please note: the comments by website users are not necessarily those held by PFAF and may give misleading or inaccurate information.

To leave a comment please Register or login here All comments need to be approved so will not appear immediately.

Subject : pinus pinea  
© 2010, Plants For A Future. Plants For A Future is a charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Charity No. 1057719, Company No. 3204567.