Native to the Alps and other high-altitude parts of Europe.
Evergreen shrub or vine that spreads to about 25-30 feet, and grows up to 15 or 20 feet tall depending on its maintenance patterns.
Needles grow in dense clusters and may turn a dull golden color in the fall and winter.
Hosts the Eacles imperialis (imperial moth) larvae
Needle clusters hold bunches of small, rough pinecones.
Require full sun and loamy, well-drained soil to grow.
Hardiness zones 2-8
Sentimental and Symbolic Value
European pines represent fertility and life, especially in Scandinavian cultures. During the long winters of Northern Europe, the Norse decorated pines in honor of the sun god Freyr, believing that it would cause the sun to stay out for longer. This tradition, along with the Germanic celebration of Yule, is one of many thought to have influenced the Western tradition of Christmas tree decorating. Yule, and subsequently pine-related Yuletide rituals, has recently taken on a newfound importance due to the advent of neopaganism, Satanism, and Wicca.
The pine also had extreme importance in the Ancient Mediterranean - where it was sacred to Dionysus and worshipped by followers of the Delphic Oracle. It figured prominently into Roman rituals during Saturnalia and Hilaria, the Roman "holy week" venerating the god Cybele.
In modern times, mostly thanks to these pre-Christian traditions, it has gained connotations of darkness and fear, and preparation for a new year and renewal of spring.
Specimen photographed at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Plant History and Etymology
Pinus is a Latin word meaning "lance" or "spear", while mugo comes from the Venetian word múgo meaning "mountain pine". This creeping species of pine has three distinct subspecies - mugo, uncinata, and roundata. P. mugo subsp. mugo, a lower-to-the-ground variety, is native to the southern and eastern Alps and the Balkan peninsula; uncinata is native to the Pyrenees and the northern and western extremities of the range; roundata is a hybrid subspecies occuring in the western Alps and northern Carpathians. It was introduced into northern and western Europe in the late 1700s where it was intended to be used as a dune stabilizer, and later as an ornamental. It gained widespread popularity in thee regions, especially in Jutland and western Norway. By the 1920s, it had naturalized widely in Scandinavia. It was also introduced later in New Zealand and eastern North America. It is considered invasive in most of Europe outside of its native range and in New Zealand, but not the US.
Design Considerations
Its unique shape and habit make it an interesting addition to any garden, especially when used as a foundation or edge planting, or a specimen. Many different varieties and cultivars exist which affect the plant's growth habit and form. It is slow-growing and low maintenance, providing year-round interest with minimal effort.
Sources
“NOBANIS -Invasive Alien Species Fact Sheet Pinus Mugo Species Description.” n.d. https://www.nobanis.org/globalassets/speciesinfo/p/pinus-mugo/pinus_mugo.pdf.
“Pinus Mugo (Mugo Pine, Swiss Mountain Pine) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.” 2021. Ncsu.edu. 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/pinus-mugo/.
“Pine Tree: Symbolism, Information and Planting Instructions.” 2014. Bios Urn. June 11, 2014. https://urnabios.com/pine-tree-symbolism-planting-instructions/#:~:text=For%20Native%20Americans%2C%20they%20represent%20wisdom%20and%20longevity.&text=%E2%80%9CIn%20the%20countries%20around%20the,is%20a%20symbol%20of%20peace..
truefaith7. 2012. “Pine Trees: Meanings and Culture of the Great Evergreen.” Owlcation. Owlcation. August 20, 2012. https://owlcation.com/social-sciences/pine-trees#mod_19406032.