Gmelin’s cedar (Pinus cembra)

Gmelin’s cedar, commonly known as the Swiss pine (Pinus cembra), is a resilient conifer native to the Alps and Carpathians. It features short, bluish-green needles bundled in groups of five and produces small, reddish-brown cones. Valued for its durable wood and ornamental appeal, it adapts well to rocky, high-altitude environments. The tree grows slowly but can live for hundreds of years, contributing to mountain ecosystems by providing habitat and stabilizing soil. Its appearance and hardiness make it a popular choice for landscape planting in alpine regions.