Pinus mugo (Mountain Pine) is a coniferous evergreen tree that is native to a series of mountainous regions in Europe. Uses for the Mountain Pine are endless and include dyes, timber, making pinecone syrup, Christmas trees, essential oils, herbal steam baths and a wide range of medicinal applications.
Suitable for Cold and Temperate climates.
Pinus mugo has many alias names that include Scrub Mountain Pine, Swiss Mountain Pine, Creeping Pine, Bog Pine and Dwarf Mountain Pine. The native range includes the Pyrenees, Alps, Ore Mountains, Carpathians, as well as areas of the Apennines and within the Balkan Peninsula.
For more varieties that are ideal for bonsai growing click here.
Growth
Pinus mugo is a short conifer species that grows to a maximum height of 5 metres (16 feet) but spreads wider to as much as 8 metres (26 feet). The Mountain Pine is highly sought after for revegetation projects due to its ease of transplanting, low-maintenance and ability to tolerate boggy and clayish soils.
It’s a slow growing conifer that is ideal for use as a border, screen, feature tree and unlike most conifers can tolerate a coastal, salty location. Leaves are dark green needles in pairs and are lightly fragrant. Pinus mugo enjoys a position in full sun when transplanting and is drought tolerant once established.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Pinaceae
CLIMATE:
Sub-Arctic, Cold and Temperate climate
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-30 to 30°C / -25 to 85°F
SOIL TYPE:
Tolerates a wide range of soils.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 5 metres (16 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 8 metres (26 feet)
pH:
5.0-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium
POLLINATION:
Wind Pollinated
MATURITY:
15-20 Years
GERMINATION RATES:
70-80%
GERMINATION TIME:
Soak 24 hours
Cold Stratification for 4 weeks, post sowing germination averages around 3-4 weeks.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium-Hard
SEEDS PER GRAM:
100
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
No.
SEED STORGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 4 years.
FACTS ABOUT PINUS MUGO (Mountain Pine)
For a conifer, Mountain Pine has so many uses. It can be grown as a bonsai, used to make pinecone syrup, used to make turpentine, the needles can be used to produce a tan or green dye, can make an essential oil, and the resin used to make wood waterproof. In Europe, it is a popular Christmas tree.
Pinus mugo is a popular choice for mining companies trying to revegetate an old mine. A regular for environmental conservations looking to plant trees where they can contain soil banks.
There are traditional medicinal applications that can assist with burns, colds, sores, boils, wounds, skin complaints, coughs, colds, kidneys, bladder and respiratory system.
For more information regarding the medicinal benefits, how to make Pinecone syrup and other unusual facts about Pinus mugo click here.
