Eurasian stone pine

The Eurasian stone pine, also known as the Swiss pine or Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra), is a tall pine tree native to the Alps, Carpathians, and Siberian mountain ranges. It is characterized by dark green needles in bundles of five, short branches, and cones typically under four inches long.12

This pine yields edible seeds, often called cedar nuts, and a resinous exudate. The seeds are oily and are consumed by inhabitants of the Alps and Siberia, also yielding a fine oil used for food. The wood of the Eurasian stone pine is fine-grained and is utilized by wood-carvers.12

Pines, in general, are important evergreen conifers belonging to the genus Pinus. They are vital components of various forest ecosystems and provide habitat and food sources for wildlife. Economically, pines are significant for construction, paper production, and as sources of turpentine, rosin, oils, and wood tars.2