Pinus Nigra

Common Names: European Black Pine, Austrian Pine, Crimean Pine
German Name: Schwarzkiefer
Parts Used: Stem, Root

Distribution

Pinus nigra is native to the mountainous and coastal regions of southern Mediterranean Europe, including Spain, the Balkans, Asia Minor, Cyprus, and parts of North Africa (Maghreb region). It thrives particularly well in sunny, well-drained locations and is widely cultivated for both ornamental and medicinal purposes.

Botanical Description

A moderately fast-growing evergreen, Pinus nigra typically grows at a rate of 30-70 cm (12-28 inches) per year. It starts with a symmetrical, rounded conic shape, which becomes irregular with age. Some trees can live for over 500 years.

• Leaves (Needles): Dark green, stiff, and paired, measuring 8–16 cm long.

• Cones:

  • Pollen and Ovulate Cones: Appear from May to June.

  • Seed Cones: 5–10 cm long with rounded, woody scales. Mature cones ripen from green to a pale grey or yellow-buff by September to November, about 18 months after pollination.

• Seeds: Small, dark grey (6–8 mm), with a wing measuring 20–25 mm for wind dispersal, released between December and April.

• Sexual Maturity: Reached at 15–40 years, with heavy seed crops every 2–5 years.

Medicinal Uses

The resin-derived turpentine from Pinus nigra and other pines is highly valued in traditional and herbal medicine for its therapeutic properties:

• Internally:

  • Acts as an antiseptic, diuretic, and vermifuge.

  • Helps treat kidney and bladder ailments.

  • Beneficial for the respiratory system — relieving coughs, colds, influenza, tuberculosis, and mucus-related issues.

• Externally:

  • Used for a wide range of skin conditions including wounds, sores, burns, boils, and chilblains.

  • Applied as liniments, poultices, plasters, and in herbal steam baths or inhalers for soothing respiratory and rheumatic discomfort.