The Scotch Pine is native to Europe and the Near East. It can be found in the north of Scotland, the mountains of Spain, the Ardennes of France, and the Caucasus region of Turkey. It has dark green 2- to 3-inch long needles, which are attached to the stem in bundles of two or three. A popular Christmas tree since the 1950's, particularly in the Midwest, the Scotch Pine has stiff needles, a bushy, full appearance, and good twig stiffness for hanging ornaments. The Scotch Pines planted today have improved form and good needle retention. It takes seven or eight years for a Scotch pine to reach Christmas tree size.