Central and southern European conifer. The name mountain pine refers to its origin in the mountains. The mountain pine grows like a shrub, especially at the tree line towards the mountain tops of the northern limestone Alps, forming an impenetrable belt that provides good protection against avalanches. In contrast, the trees in the valley and in the moors grow up to 10 m high.
The essential oil (mountain pine oil - Pini pumilionis aetheroleum) is used phytotherapeutically and is obtained from fresh, crushed branches and the attached needles by steam distillation.