Shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata)
Also known as: Southern yellow pine, Arkansas pine, Shortleaf yellow pine, Spruce pine, Arkansas soft pine, Rosemary pine
Shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata) is a pine tree species native to the eastern United States. Its numbers have been declining in the last 30 years. An effort is underway to reestablish shortleaf pine growth, as it is important to the lumber industry. In addition, shortleaf pine plays a role in ecosystem diversity.
In This Article
Attributes of Shortleaf pine
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Plant Height
24 m to 30 m
Spread
6 m to 12 m
Leaf Color
Green Blue
Flower Size
Not applicable
Flower Color
Yellow Green
Images of Shortleaf pine
Quickly Identify Shortleaf pine
1
Slender, dark bluish-green needles in bundles of two or three, 3-5 inches (7.6-12.7 cm) long.
2
Distinctive bark transformation from scaly dark to flat and textured reddish-brown or yellowish-brown.
3
Symmetrical, ovoid cones with spines on scales, 1.5-2.5 inches (3.8-6.4 cm) in length.
4
Male cones pale purple, female cones soft pink; seed release from September to winter.
5
Slender, rough reddish-brown stem, irregular branching with thin, flexible branches, forming a sparse, open crown.
Scientific Classification of Shortleaf pine
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Conifers
Order
Pinales
Family
Pine
Genus
Pines
Species
Shortleaf pine
