Swiss Stone Pine

GardenLine | Trees and Shrubs | Swiss Stone Pine

Exceptional pine lacks publicity agent

Brian Baldwin

It's finally spring and time to plant trees. If I were permitted only one tree in my yard, it would be a Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra).

What makes this tree so special? First of all, it's one of the few evergreens that was tough enough to endure the winter of '96 without so much as flinching. While many of our hardiest pines and spruces are presently a dismal brown, the few Swiss stone pines I've seen this spring are looking as lush and full as the evergreens of Vancouver.

Although these trees are tough as nails, they're soft as silk to the touch. Unlike many other evergreens, a Swiss stone pine can be planted right beside a patio where you can brush up against it without being scratched, poked or prodded. The needles are so soft that they're actually a joy to touch, and even dry needles on the ground pose no threat to bare feet.

So you don't like pruning? This is the tree for you. When planted in full sun, it will maintain the graceful shape of a perfect Christmas tree, without ever being touched by pruning shears.

As if that weren't enough, it also provides a tasty snack. The seeds which are produced in large cones, are about the size of a small peanut. You may know them as "pine nuts." Dried and toasted, they have a delicious nutty flavour.

The only thing this tree seems to lack is a good publicity agent. How else could it have so much going for it, yet remain so rare? One reason may be its slightly higher price at the nursery. Since it grows a bit more slowly than other evergreens during its first few years, nurseries have to maintain it for a longer period of time. This boosts its price. However, once established, it will put on at least a foot (30 cm) of new growth each year, making it only slightly slower than most other evergreens.

If you want to see one of these trees, treat yourself to a walk on the university campus where there are four. Two mature specimens stand along the south wall of the PFRA Building (on North Road), and a young one stands in front of the Plant Biotechnology Institute (straight across from the Physical Education Centre). The fourth is in Patterson Garden (access at the corner of College and Preston). Although those on campus are beautiful, the city's most magnificent specimen is probably the one standing right up against the front window of a house on 33rd street just east of Avenue P. It's visible from the street, and to see it is to adore it!

All of Saskatchewan's better nurseries will carry Swiss stone pine, so if the nursery you're dealing with hasn't heard of it, or doesn't bother to stock it, take your business elsewhere. After all, those nurseries which attempt to provide the very best plant material for Saskatchewan's growing conditions are the ones most deserving of your business. It might be a good idea to phone around.

Sustainable horticultural information, offered free of charge to the public with the support of the University of Saskatchewan Extension Division, the Department of Plant Sciences and the Provincial Government.