Pinus elliottii Engelm.

Slash Pine

Tree

Perennial

Vascular

Slash Pine is a native evergreen tree in the Pine family (Pinaceae). It is native to the southern third of Alabama, and has been widely planted within and beyond its native range in the state for timber and pulp production. It primarily occurs on wetter sites such as flatwoods, along streams, and around the margins of swamps. Slash Pine has a single, usually un-forked trunk to 100 feet in height and 3-4 feet in diameter. The bark is thick and irregularly furrowed with rectangular scaly plates. The bark is reddish-orange to purple-brown in color. Leaves are needle-like and occur in groups known as fascicles. There are 2-3 needle leaves per fascicle. The leaves are clustered near the ends of twigs and shoots. The needles are finely serrulate along the margins and up to eight inches in length. Pollen cones are produced in the late winter to early spring. The pollen cones are cylindrical and purple in color. Pollen is wind dispersed. Ovulate cones are ovoid in shape, reddish brown in color, lustrous, with short stout prickles. The female cones take two years to mature. The seed is ellipsoid in shape, dark brown in color, and winged. Slash Pine is an important timber and pulp tree. It is relatively fast growing but requires moist to wet sites for best development. It is considered the fastest growing of the native pines, and has been widely planted in tropical and subtropical areas around the world such as in Brazil and Australia.--A. Diamond

**

Native FACW (NWPL)

**