Taxonomy

Division:

Coniferophyta | - Conifers

Family:

Pinaceae

Genus:

Pinus

Species:

Pinus clausa

USDA Symbol:

PICL

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Tree

Height:

2100 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar,apr

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Requires fire for germination

Fire Notes:

Serotinous cones open after fire exposure. Species is adapted to Florida scrub fire regime and regenerates prolifically post-fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

Commonly found in scrub and sandhill habitats

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–42 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate best with light. Serotinous cones require heat to open and release seeds.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI