Maritime pine From the western Mediterranean, and long established in these islands, Pinus pinaster is a tall, quite slow-growing, evergreen tree with a long, clear trunk, a round, later fan-shaped, very open crown and reddish-brown, deeply fissured bark. Stiff, glossy, grey-green needle-like leaves, up to 10”/25cm long, are borne in pairs. The insignificant yellow flowers are followed by shiny, slender, rich brown cones, 4”/10cm long, which can remain on the tree for years. Not unlike a Scots pine, it makes a handsome specimen tree, and is tolerant of air pollution. A good seaside tree, it is not suitable for very cold, frost-prone areas. Site: Tolerates exposure, including coastal exposureSoil: Any well-drained soil; light, dry, sandy soil preferredPosition: Full sunHardiness: Fairly hardyHeight: eventually over 40’ (12m) Spread: 26’ (8m)