CHAPTER 3
TREES OF THE PYRENEES
By Daniel Arenas (Ornithologist and Nature Correspondent)
Over 100 species of trees and shrubs are found in Pyrenean forests. Each species grows on slopes with different characteristics: altitude, exposure, type of soil, rainfall or cloud cover.
Beech; Fagus sylvatica
The Beech grows at mountain level, between about 800 and 1,800 m in humid conditions with condensation forming thick fog, drizzle or rain. Though not fussy about the soil, beech trees can be badly affected by late frosts, which destroy tender young leaves and blooms.
Where trees are tightly packed, few other species grow in the humus.
Silver fir; Abies pectinata
The silver fir is often found among beech trees where it can be spotted by its tall, dark silhouette. It is also found growing in 100% fir forests, especially in shady spots near the top of the mountain level (around 1,800 m). Another tree that will grow in different types of soil, silver firs form a shady, silent cover for undergrowth.
Scots pine; Pinus sylvestris
At the same height as the silver fir but preferring south-facing slopes sheltered from wind, rain and lasting snow, you will find Scots pine. Its blue-green foliage and the scaly bark which glows red near the top filter the light, providing good lighting conditions for flora similar to neighbouring heath and grassland.
Hooked pine; Pinus uncinata
The hooked pine takes over on higher slopes, where conditions are harsher. It is found from the uppermost parts of the mountain level and particularly at subalpine level between 1,800 and 2,300 m. As hooked pine woods are not normally very dense, there is plenty of room for other plants to grow.
