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Pinus elliottii (Slash pine)
Wasowski, Sally and Andy

Pinus elliottii Engelm.

Slash pine

Pinaceae (Pine Family)

USDA Symbol: PIEL

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

This is a 90 ft. pine which looses its lower branches with age, forming a open, rounded crown. Dark-green needles in bundles of 2-3 are relatively long. Large tree with narrow, regular, pointed crown of horizontal branches and long needles. Bark is gray and scaly.

An important species both for lumber and naval stores and one of the fastest-growing southern pines, Slash Pine is extensively grown in forest plantations both in its natural range and farther north. Its beauty makes it popular as a shade and ornamental tree. A variety, South Florida Slash Pine (var. densa Little & Dorman) is a medium-sized tree of south and central Florida with needles mostly 2 in a bundle and with a grasslike seedling stage.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Tree
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Linear
Leaf: Dark Green
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 72-100 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Red
Bloom Time: Jan , Feb , Dec

Distribution

USA: AL , FL , GA , LA , MS , NC , SC , TX
Native Distribution: Coastal Plain from s. SC to s. FL, also lower FL Keys, w. to s.e. LA
Native Habitat: Low, damp, open woods
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Moist, acid soils.
Conditions Comments: There are two varieties of this species is s. FL. The typical slash pine is var. elliottii. The variety occuring on the FL Keys and n. along both coasts to c. FL is var. densa. The species is abundantly planted in reforestation. Fairly susceptible to fusiform rust. Salt tolerant.

Propagation

Description: Sow fresh, untreated seed in late fall.
Seed Collection: Collect cones from vigorous trees in late summer and fall just before they completely open to drop seeds. Spread cones on racks to dry so they will release seeds. Cones may be shaken to release seeds. Store at a moisture content of 5-10% fresh weight.
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Native Plant Nursery - Sanibel, FL

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Pinus elliottii in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Pinus elliottii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Pinus elliottii

Metadata

Record Modified: 2008-04-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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