Pine Parenthood
Posted by Raf on February 24, 2004
Q: Why do scots pine (Pinus sylvestries) grow better in dry conditions in comparison to waterlogged conditons?
Thank you
A: Sounds like you're a good observer to me. Plants are adapted for a specific set of environmental conditions and pines are well adapted for rather dry soils. Granted, some pines can and do grow in wet conditions (Eastern White Pine can grow in swampy settings) but for the most part, pines, including the Scots Pine, grow most vigorously in well-drained soils. You may have heard landscapers talk about a tree not liking (or liking) "wet feet". This refers to a tree's adaptations for soil conditions that drain readily and don't stay wet for long periods.
If you travel in the Rockies you may notice that the Pondersoa Pine grows in some incredibly dry, rocky locations - places where you might think there can't be enough water. In those same general areas, but where the soil is moist from a stream or spring, you may find cottonwoods growing abundantly - they prefer moist soil. It all depends on a plant's specific "preferences".
John Wiessinger ( February 25, 2004)