Large tree, which in its native range, mainly in coastal areas, grows on dry, sandy soils except in Morocco where the tree occurs up to 2,000 m high in the mountains. Through the centuries is has been widely used to reinforce dunes and for turpentine production. Consequently the tree is also found in the wild elsewhere, including South Africa. Pinus pinaster forms a round to what later becomes a fan-shaped crown. The mature bark is reddish brown with darker, deep grooves. The stiff needles are relatively long and glossy green. They have stomatal stripes on all sides. The slender cones are initially purplish brown and turn light brown when ripening. Its sensitivity to frost make this Pinus unsuitable for large scale usage in North-Western Europe, although it is suitable for patios and large atriums. Tolerates sea wind very well and is not sensitive to air pollution.