Pinus echinata (Shortleaf Pine)

Recognized as the hardiest and most adaptable of the southern pines, shortleaf pine's rare ability to resprout from the base after fire damage - a trait most pines lack entirely - pairs with confirmed larval host status for the Eastern Pine Elfin butterfly.

Species Overview

Pinus echinata, or shortleaf pine, is an evergreen coniferous tree that can reach 50 to 100 feet, with a straight trunk, red-brown scaly bark, and slender needles in bundles of two or three. It is the most widely distributed of the southern yellow pines and is notably fire adapted, with seedlings and small trees capable of resprouting after fire damage or injury.

Application

• Reforestation and timber plantings - highly valued for lumber and pulpwood
• Dry, sandy, poor-soil restoration - the hardiest of the southern yellow pines
• Fire-adapted plantings - rare basal resprouting after fire or injury
• Larval host habitat for the Eastern Pine Elfin butterfly

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Dry, sandy, acid-based soils; low calcium tolerance
• Drought Tolerance: High
• Flood Tolerance: Low - An upland, fire-dependent pine of dry sites; not tolerant of standing water.
• Growth Rate: Slow
• Plant Type: Tree
• Mature Height: 50-80 ft.
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None - evergreen conifer
• Wetland Indicator Status: NI (No Indicator) - see flags
• Native Range: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (full list)
• Hydrology: Dry-Mesic
• Root Depth: Deep (24-36 in.) (capable of a large, massive taproot in deep, well-drained soil)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Deer Resistance: Some (moderately resistant to deer damage)
• Shade Tolerance: Intolerant - shade-intolerant, fire-dependent species
• Growth Habit: Upright - open, pyramidal crown
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports butterflies

Planting Guidance

• IMPORTANT: primary native range is the southeastern US; some sources concentrate its distribution there specifically rather than into the Northeast. Notably fire-adapted, with rare basal resprouting after fire or mechanical damage.