Pinus

Pinus is a widely distributed genus of about 120 species hailing from forests of the Northern hemisphere. The bark of these evergreen trees and shrubs is often fissured or sometimes divided into plates. Cones are borne on both male and female plants, with the female cones taking several years to ripen. Evergreen; bark is often attractive; coniferous. Pines can be used as specimens (large or small and slow growing), in the mixed border, or as windbreaks. Pines are quite adaptable, only needing well-drained soil and full sun. For species, sow seed in containers in a cold frame in spring. Graft cultivars in late winter. Sawfly, caterpillars, scale insects, mealy bugs, miners, and borers are common. Blister rust, butt rot, blights, pitch canker, cone rust, tar spot, and brown cubical rot are some possible diseases that may affect pines.