What Pine Tree Produces the Short & Fat Pinecones Used in Wreaths?

Pinecones add a festive touch to holiday gift wrapping.

Pinecones, symbolic of the Christmas holiday season, are an important element in floral designs, garlands and Christmas wreaths. All pine trees are members of the Pinaceae family. Pinecones are readily accessible and inexpensive. Gather your own in the wild, or cones are available for purchase online or from local florists or craft stores. Gather spruce, cedar or pinecones to complement your greenery designs. Small cones of several evergreen tree species are used including pine, spruce, fir and cedar.

Western White Pine

White pine cones attached to fresh or artificial greenery. Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images

Western white pine (Pinus monticola) is a hardy evergreen native to the western region of the United States. Found in Washington, Idaho, Montana, California, Nevada and Utah, the attractive, small, round cones are gathered for use as decorative craft material. Add white pine cones to wreathes and winter holiday garlands. The cones are 1 to 2 inches tall and 1-1/2 in diameter.

Scotch Pine

Holiday wreaths use pinecones of all shapes. Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

Scotch Pine (P. sylvestris L.), also known as Scot's Pine, was introduced to the United States from Europe. Scotch Pine is widely dispersed around the world, growing in Eastern Europe, Scotland, Canada and the United States. Scotch pinecones mature and open in October. The small, attractive cones are used in the floral industry, wreath makers and hobbyists creating pinecone wreaths and accenting holiday greenery. Scotch pines cones are 1 to 2 inches tall and 1 to 1-1/2 inches in diameter.

Norway Red Pine Cones

Pine cones are an attractive accent to holiday wreaths. Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

Norway redpine (P. resinosa) cones are small cones, 1 to 2 inches tall and approximately 1-1/2 inches in diameter. The attractive reddish-brown cones exhibit cream-colored tips. Norway redpine cones are frequently used to create centerpieces, wreaths, garlands tabletop trees and holiday decorations.

Australian Black Pine Cones

Austrian black pinecones (P. nigra) are small, 1- to 2-inch cones, approximately 1-1/2 inch in diameter. The inside of the cones are a dark, blackish color. The unusual coloration of the cone provides an attractive accent when combined with fresh greenery.

References

• Clemson Cooperative Extension; Making Wreaths; November 1997
• U.S. Forest Service; Pinus Nigra Arnold; David F. Van Haverbeke

Resources

• Pinecones And Podz: Pine Cones
• Local Harvest