Lodgepole Pine - Scots Pine

Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta)

Although not a tree which people normally regard as having the traditional Christmas tree shape, it nevertheless has been popular in some regions of the United Kingdom for many years. It has long green needles with the wonderful scent of pine and probably has the best needle retention of all Christmas tree varieties available.

Lodgepole pine is common in Western North America. The name Pinus contorta comes from the twisted trees often seen growing in coastal areas. When pruned and sheared into shape this tree makes an excellent Christmas tree and deserves to be more widely recognised.

Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

A native of the British Isles, Scots Pine is the most widely distributed conifer in the world.

It bears needles in pairs which are a blue-green in colour compared to Lodgepole Pine needles which are green with a sharp end. Most people would not easily spot the difference between  Scots Pine and Lodgepole Pine.