Pinus echinata

Shortleaf Pine

Shortleaf Pine occurs in dry, sandy or rocky upland areas in the Ozark region. This is a medium-sized, fast-growing pine with a short pyramidal crown which broadens somewhat with age. Typically grows 50-60' tall in cultivation, but will grow to 100' tall in the wild, with records existing to over 140'. Dark bluish-green needles, three to five inches in length, appear in bundles of two. Cylindrical brown cones are usually not produced until the tree reaches 20 years old. Attractive reddish-brown bark forms in scaly plates on mature trees.

Additional Information:
Migrating butterflies use Shortleaf Pine for roosting. Echinata means spiny in reference to the prickle-tipped cone scales. An important timber tree in the deep South where it is harvested for a variety of purposes, including lumber, plywood and wood pulp. Oleoresins are extracted to make turpentine.

Height 50-60 Feet

Spread 25-35 Feet

USDA Hardiness Zone 6-9

Home Owner Growing and Maintenance Tips:
Easily grown in average, dry to medium wet, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates some light shade. Tolerates a wide range of soils, but prefers sandy loams. The formation of a deep taproot complicates transplanting from the wild.

Characteristics & Attributes