Pinus echinata Mill.

Shortleaf Pine; Rosemary Pine; Yellow Pine

Tree

Perennial

Vascular

Shortleaf Pine is a native evergreen needle-leafed tree in the Pine family (Pinaceae). It can be found throughout Alabama. Shortleaf Pine occurs in sandhills, in rocky woods, in old fields, and in other dry upland habitats. It is a large tree reaching heights of 120 feet. The trunk is straight and the bark is dark red-brown in scaly plates. Needle leaves occur in fascicles of 2-3. The leaves are 2-4 inches in length, slightly twisted, and dark green in color. Pollen cones are less than1 inch in length and yellow or purple-green in color. Seed cones are ovoid-conical in outline, 1-2 1/2 inches in length, red-brown in color, with sharp prickles. The seed are winged. Shortleaf Pine is an important commercial species for timber and pulp production. It has the unusual ability for a Pine species of being able to sprout from the base when young if the top is damaged or killed. Trees growing on poorly draining soils are subject to root rot. Shortleaf Pine is occasionally sold as a landscape tree. It grows best on well-draining sandy soils in full sun.—A. Diamond

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Native

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