NEN Gallery

Developing pine cones. This tree is widespread throughout Europe. It is native to Britain but is often planted in parks. It can grow up to 40 meters. It has thick furrowed bark. Its deep roots allow it to grow even on steep or sandy soils. The needles grow in pairs. In may it produces reddish female flowers on new shoots and yellow male flowers in clusters on the previous years shoots. The woody cone does not reach its full size until autumn of the second year, after which it releases dry winged seeds at the end of winter. The wood is used for columns, windows, doors etc. Picture taken May 12th near Old Warden, Bedfordshire.