Pinus echinata

Pinus echinata shortleaf pine

Sporting blue to yellowish green, 2-3 bundled needles that range from 2.5-4.5 inches long (hence the name shortleaf), shortleaf pine can reach 100 feet in height and 2-3 feet in diameter over its lifetime.

Shortleaf pine reaches cone-bearing maturity around 25-30 years. Seeds are reminiscent of those of maple and can be carried by the wind up to quarter of a mile from the cone.

Habitat & Range

Rare in well-drained and moist soils on wooded slopes or ridges; often found in abandoned agricultural fields.

Mostly found in the south-central part of the state. See distribution map at BONAP.

Wetland Code: Not classified

Characteristics

Tree large, trunk single straight, many horizontal branches, old trees may lack branches on lower half, crown round

Needle 2 or 3 per cluster; soft, flexible, pointed, yellowish green; 2¾ - 4½ inches long

Seed Cone light green when young, turning brown at maturity; oblong and tapers near the tip & tip is with small prickle; stalk short; 1.5 - 2.5 inches long

Bark reddish brown; large, irregular flat scales

Height 70-100 feet

Fall Color evergreen

Age 100-150 yrs