Pinus cembra Seeds | Swiss Stone Pine
LATIN NAME: Pinus cembra
COMMON NAME: Swiss Stone Pine
Plant Profile
Swiss Stone Pine (Pinus cembra) is an evergreen conifer. It likes sun, and well-drained soil. Its flowers draw a steady traffic of bees and other beneficial insects. Taken as a whole, it is a plant that repays a little attention many times over.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Pinus cembra ranges from the botany of the Pinus group to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. Edible pine nuts of the Swiss stone pine give it a recognised place in research on high-mountain pines of great pine group, and cembra species appears in studies of nut-bearing conifers and high-altitude growth. From a research perspective, species of this kind are valuable material for work on propagation and on the selection of uniform lines.
Uses & Benefits
Swiss Stone Pine brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. In cold garden, the Swiss stone pine tops its cold garden with neat, conical form. Rich kernels serve pastries and confectionery for generations, cones feed birds, and tree makes fine specimen for small garden. It grows well in well-drained, sunny ground. It takes hold quickly and asks for no special treatment from then on.
Pines are a materia medica of their own: vitamin-C-rich needle teas saved explorers from scurvy, pine pollen is a tonic food in China, bark proanthocyanidins are studied for circulation, and resin gave turpentine, rosin and naval stores to history.
Growing from Seed
Starting Swiss Stone Pine from seed is simple and satisfying. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
Few garden plants carry such a documented history of use as this one does. Swiss Stone Pine is the kind of plant that rewards a permanent spot. Minor errors in timing or watering rarely cost the grower the crop.
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