Campus Tree Tour
Pinaceae – Pine Family
In 2024, this shortleaf pine measured 51 feet tall and had a diameter of 14 inches. Based on USDA Forest Service models, it will absorb approximately 1,338 lbs. of carbon over the next 20 years. Put simply, this tree will offset up to 5,414 car miles worth of carbon dioxide.
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Introduction
The shortleaf pine has the widest geographic distribution of yellow pine within the Southeastern United States. Its scientific name is derived from the Greek word for “hedgehog” due to its short, straight leaves that protrude from the branches. The trunk has small holes, or resin ducts, scattered across the bark that helps distinguish the tree from other pine species.
Physical Description
Life expectancy: Up to 400 years
Height: Up to 100 feet
Crown: 20 – 35 feet
Diameter: Up to 24 – 36 inches
Bark: Reddish-brown with flakey plates that have a laminated appearance. Each plate has sticky resin ducts, or small holes, that are present even if bark is pealed.
Leaves: Short (5 to 6 inches) evergreen needles. There are 2 needles that grow in a bundle, or fascicle. They are straight with a slight curve at the tip.
Twigs: Thin with thick trunk.
Flowers: No flowers.
Cones: Small (0.5 to 2 inch) green male strobili produced during the spring, and female strobili mature into small (1.5 to 2.5 in.) cones after pollination. The cones each yield 25 to 38 seeds.
Key Identification Characteristics: reddish brown bark with resin ducts, short straight needles in fascicles of 2, found in dry habitats.
Past and Present Uses
In the Southern United States, shortleaf pine is an important commercial tree species harvested for lumber, structural material, plywood, and pulpwood. Compared to other pine species, the shortleaf pine is not planted in plantations due to its slower growth rate. Additionally, the pine is occasionally used as an ornamental tree in residential areas.
Ecological Importance
Origin: Native to the United States
Native Range: Found from southeastern New York south to Florida, and west to Texas and Missouri (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Native range of Shortleaf Pine. Photo credit: U.S. Geological Survey
The shortleaf pine’s wide distribution demonstrates its adaptability to different sites and soil conditions; however, the pine is primarily found in dry upland areas with deep, well-drained soils. The pine grows further west than other yellow pines, and it is also found in old fields or recently disturbed sites with an established fire regime. It is associated with other trees such as chestnut oak, eastern redcedar, yellow-popular, longleaf pine, and black oak.
The seeds of the shortleaf pinecones attract birds and small mammals, and impatient squirrels may eat the seeds before the cones naturally open. The canopy provides protection and nesting sites for various wildlife. Stands of seedlings provide cover for bobwhite quail and wild turkey, and old growth trees provide habitats for cavity dwellers, such as the red-cockaded woodpecker.
More Information
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR003
References
Carey, J. H. (1992). Pinus echinata. In: Fire Effects Information System. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory. https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/tree/pinech/all.html#6
i-Tree. (2006). Tree tools - calculate the benefits of trees!. i-Tree. https://www.itreetools.org/
Proctor, N., & Monroe, M. (n.d.). Common pines of Florida. Ask IFAS - Powered by EDIS. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR003
Lawson, E. R. (n.d.). Shortleaf Pine. Pinus echinata Mill. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_1/pinus/echinata.htm
Pinus echinata. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. (n.d.). https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/pinus-echinata/
Shortleaf Pine - Pinus echinata. The University of Alabama Arboretum. (n.d.). https://arboretum.ua.edu/whats-growing-on/shortleaf-pine-pinus-echinata/#:~:text=This%20pine%20is%20characterized%20by,tall