Also known as Salzmann’s Pine, this is the smallest of the European Black Pine subspecies, and most westerly naturally occurring.

Grows extensively across the Pyrenees (France and Spain), also in the French Cevennes, extending south to Algeria and Morocco in Africa. Rarely seen in Britain and Ireland.

Monoecious.

Relatively small, to 20m, its harsh sites often causing deformation and stunting. Often leaning and multi-stemmed, with a dense dark crown. Bark brown-purple with distinctive shaggy scales; branch tips often droop. Needles in pairs, grey-green, slender and fairly flexible, blunt-tipped, to 17cm. Cones brown-purple with flat scales.

Thrives in dry, stony ground. Drought-resistant. Less cold-tolerant than other European Black Pine subspecies.

Provides valuable habitat in demanding mountain environments.

Increasing wildfires in its natural range are a concern.

A dwarf variety, ‘Nana’, is popular for small gardens.