Koch's Pine

A species of the genus Pine from the family Pinaceae. Synonym Pinus sylvestris var. hamata Steven. By morphological characters it is close to the Scots pine, but differs in having elongated-conical cones that exceed the needles in size and cone scales that are hook-shaped and bent toward the base. It grows in small groves or as isolated trees in the mountains of the Caucasus, Crimea and the Near East, as well as in Dagestan at altitudes of 500-2600 m above sea level. Two climatic ecotypes have been identified, which are associated with different altitudinal belts.

It is a medium-tall tree 20-25 m in height and 1 m in diameter. Trunk straight or bent, often thickened at the base. Shoots densely leafy, especially in young seedlings.

Bark brown-gray, scaly with deep longitudinal fissures, becoming more brown toward the top.

Needles dark green in color, not yellowing in winter, shorter than in Scots pine, borne in bundles of two, straight, prickly.

Cones yellowish-brown, glossy, elongated-conical in shape with scales bent toward the base.

Hardiness zone 7b.

Location: light-loving, undemanding to soil, but prefers sandy, well-drained soils or sandy loam. Sensitive to polluted air.

Planting: plants should be transplanted within 5 years. Distance between seedlings should be at least 4-6 m, planting depth 0.8-1 m. The root collar should be placed at ground level. If the soil is sandy, it is recommended to mix the top layer of soil with peat and clay in a ratio of 2:1:2. During planting it is recommended to add nitroammofoska or humus-rich soil, and during the first 2 years after planting apply 30-40 g/m² of mineral fertilizer.

Propagation: propagated by seeds or by layering.

Uses: used similarly to Scots pine. Rarely used in landscape design. Essential oil is obtained from the buds.