Description
Latin Name: Pinus sylvestris
DESCRIPTION
Family: Pinaceae
Native Range: Native to Northern Europe and Asia.
Seed Source: Seed production orchard near Indian Head Saskatchewan.
Height and Spread: 18m x 5m.
Overview: The 'Prairie Green' Scots pine is well adapted for agroforestry planting in dry, cold temperate regions. It is characterized by vigotous growth and adaptability to a wide range of growing conditions. The seeds strain was developed specifically for tree planting in the prairie environment.
Seeds: Dark brown, 2-4 mm long.
Average number of seeds/packet: 550
SEED TREATMENT / SOWING
Stratification: Soak seeds for 24 hours, then stratify in moist sand (10 percent moisture) for 30 days at 5C. No treatment needed if down in late September (Germination will occur the following spring.
Ideal sowing time: Non-pretreated seed outdoors in late May.
Sowing instructions: Outdoors- sow 1.0 cm deep, 50 seeds/meter; Greenhouse - sow 3 seeds per cell 1.0 cm deep.
Growing conditions: 'Prairie Green' Scots pine grows on a wide variety of soils but favours loamy soils with a pH of 5.0 to 8.0. It is shade tolerant but grows best in a sunny exposure.
AGROFORESTRY VALUE
'Prairie Green' Scots pine is used in field and farmstead shelterbelts. The dense roots make it useful for soil stabilization and erosion control on dry sites. It will tolerate glyphosate drift when exposed in late summer. It provides good cover for birds plus small and large mammals.
