Scientific Name: Pinus sylvestris
Family: Pinaceae (pine family)

Overview: Once extremely common on the Christmas tree market, now less common. When found, it offers a less pricey alternative to the firs. Mature trees develop a curious yet attractive orange bark on the upper trunk.

Fun Facts: Wood is used for paper pulp and, to a lesser extent, timber. This is the type of tree that Ralphie and his family purchased off a lot in the cult-classic, 1983 film A Christmas Story.

Etymology: So-named because of its nativity to Eurasia, including Scotland. "Pine" is Middle English (c. 1100-1500 AD) and derives from pinus, which is Latin for "pine tree." Sylvestris is Latin for "forest-dwelling."