Native to large portions of Europe and Northern Asia, where the tree is used often in forestry. Initially pyramidal, but later spreading out and growing irregularly to form a parasol shape. The crown usually grows at top high bare trunks. However, the lower branches remain full if the tree has ample free space around it. This can produce very characteristic growth patterns. In its early years, growth is slow, but faster as the tree matures. The bark is a striking orange-brown, later turning greyish-brown and peeling off in large strips. Young twigs are green and turn yellowish grey. The stiff, slightly twisted needles grow in pairs and are bluish green and 3 to 6 cm long. The greyish brown oval cones are 3 - 6 cm long and 2 - 3.5 cm wide. Grows even in extreme conditions.
Pinus sylvestris môže dorastať do výšky 10 - 30 (40) m, fast growing v závislosti od podmienok stanovišťa a klímy.
Pinus sylvestris rastie rýchlo rastúci a môže dorastať do výšky 10 - 30 (40) m, fast growing v závislosti od podmienok stanovišťa a klímy.
Správny čas na výsadbu stromu je mimo vegetačné obdobie. V strednej Európe môže byť Pinus sylvestris so zemným balom vysadený od polovice novembra do konca apríla, avšak závisí to veľmi od klimatických podmienok a druhu stromu.