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Cressler, Alan

Pinus elliottii var. densa

Pinus elliottii Engelm. var. densa Little & Dorman

Florida Slash Pine, Dade County Pine, South Florida Slash Pine

Pinaceae (Pine Family)

Synonym(s): Pinus densa, Pinus densa var. austrokeyensis, Pinus elliottii ssp. austrokeysensis, Pinus elliottii var. austrokeysensis

USDA Symbol: PIELD

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

This is the canopy species of south Florida's pine rocklands. The common name Dade County Pine is usually used in reference to lumber cut from this taxon with unusually hard and durable properties. This taxon often goes through a "grass" stage early in its growth.

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Tree
Root Type: Tap
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Arrangement: Fascicled
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Venation: Parallel
Leaf Pubescence: Glabrous
Leaf Margin: Entire
Breeding System: Monoecious
Fruit Type: Cone
Size Notes: Typically 30 to 55 feet in height. The shorter stature of this taxon than Pinus elliottii var. elliottii (to more than 100 feet in height) and larger taproot may be storm-protection adaptations.
Leaf: Leaves are filiform and usually in bundles of two.
Fruit: Seed cones glossy and rust-colored, 2 to 5 inches in length.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow , Green , Brown
Bloom Time: Jan , Feb , Mar , Apr
Bloom Notes: Flower cones fade from green to brown.

Distribution

USA: FL
Native Distribution: Native to southern and south-central Florida, the West Indies and Central America.
Native Habitat: Pine rocklands and sandy soils.

Benefit

Use Wildlife: Seeds utilized by wild turkeys and squirrels for food.
Use Other: Lumber milled from this taxon is highly-regarded for its strength and durability.
Deer Resistant: Moderate

Additional resources

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2018-11-15
Research By: Joseph A. Marcus

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