Shortleaf Pine
Pinus echinata
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Pinaceae
- Genus:
- Pinus
- Species:
- Pinus echinata
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- More than 40 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- feb, mar
- Bloom Colors:
- Yellow
Native Range
United States: Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
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:
- Prefers dry, upland areas with poor fertility
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Seeds are cold stratified for 30 to 60 days and germinate at 21 C or soaked in water for 24 hours and treated with Thiram fungiide.
Establishment: Seeds are purchased from local people who collect within a 50 mile radius of the nursery. Ovulate cones mature in two years, and are red-brown, ovoid to conic, 4 to 7 cm long and are borne singly or in clusters, and bear winged seeds with a body length of 6 mm and wing length of up to 16 mm. Seeds are dispersed from late October to November and the majority of seeds fall in 2 to 3 weeks after cone open.
Source: npn.rngr.net