Pinus brutia aka Turkish Pine

Pinus brutia is an evergreen tree in the pine family. Its common names include Turkish pine and Calabrian pine. Its native range runs from the southern Balkans to northwestern Iran and Lebanon. It grows in open pine forests and mixed woods. Some forests hold stands of this species alone. Its habitat stretches from near sea level into the mountains. It occurs at heights up to 4,921 feet [1,500 metres].

Plants For A Future gives a height of 98 feet [30 metres]. It gives a spread of 82 feet [25 metres]. The same source describes its growth as fast. Young trees have a narrow, pointed crown. The crown takes on a less even shape with age. Young bark stays smooth and silver-grey for several years. Older bark grows darker and develops deep grooves. The stout twigs and narrow, egg-shaped buds are reddish brown.

The thin needles twist and grow in bundles of two or three. Their colour ranges from bright green to blue-green. Each needle measures about three to six inches long. The tree keeps its needles through the year. Male and female cones grow on the same tree. The small male cones are yellowish; female cones are green. Neither makes a bold flower display. Wind carries the pollen between trees. Mature cones turn reddish brown and reach three to four inches. Their shape ranges from egg-like to long and oval.

This pine needs sun and does not grow in shade. It accepts sandy, loamy, and clay soils with good drainage. It can grow in poor soil and withstand drought. Dry or moist ground suits it. It tolerates acidic, neutral, and alkaline soils, including very acidic ground. It also withstands salt in soil and coastal exposure. Plants For A Future reports hardiness to UK zone 8. Growers can raise new trees from seed sown outdoors in autumn.

People plant this pine for timber and to protect coastal soil. Its wood serves in building, fencing, carpentry, and paper pulp. Its resin supplies turpentine and flavours the Greek wine retsina. Sap-feeding insects on the tree produce honeydew that bees gather. Beekeepers harvest the resulting pine honey. Trees grown from Gallipoli seed also serve as war memorials. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards. This does not establish safety for every use or animal.