Pinus aka Pine

Pinus is a genus of conifer trees and shrubs in the family Pinaceae, commonly found in the Northern Hemisphere. There are currently 187 recognized species of pines, with some variations in the number of species accepted by different organizations. Pines are known for their compact and slow-growing nature, with some reaching only 1m in height and 50cm in width. They naturally form a tight, spherical or dome-shaped outline without the need for pruning. The needles of pines are light green and approximately 6cm long. This makes them a popular choice as focal points in smaller city gardens. The wood derived from pine trees, also known as lumber, is widely used due to its extensive availability. Within the pine family, there are two main subgroups - the yellow or hard pine group, known for its harder wood and two or three needles per fascicle, and the white or soft pine group, known for its softer wood and five needles per fascicle. Overall, pines are the largest conifer family, and there are currently 818 named cultivars recognized.