Pinus echinata, the shortleaf pine,[2] is a species of pine native to the Southeastern United States and Midwestern United States.
Description
The tree is variable in form, sometimes straight, sometimes crooked, with an irregular crown. The tree reaches heights of 20–45 metres (65–150 feet) with a trunk diameter of 0.5–0.9 m (1+1⁄2–3 ft).
The leaves are needle-like, in fascicles (bundles) of two and three mixed together, and from 7–11 centimetres (2+3⁄4–4+1⁄4 inches) long. The cones are 4–7 cm (1+1⁄2–2+3⁄4 in) long, with thin scales with a transverse keel and a short prickle. They open at maturity but are persistent.[3] Shortleaf pine seedlings develop a persistent J-shaped crook near the ground surface.[4] Axillary and other buds form near the crook and initiate growth if the upper stem is killed by fire or is severed.[5]
The bark has resin pockets, which form small depressions, less than 1 millimetre (1⁄32 in) in diameter. This feature can be used to distinguish P. echinata from all other Pinus species within its native range.[6]
Taxonomy
The Latin specific epithet of echinata refers to hedgehog, from echinus.[7]
Distribution and habitat
Shortleaf pine has the largest range of the southern US yellow pines. It is found from southernmost New York, south to northern Florida, west to eastern Texas and Oklahoma.[8]
This pine occupies a variety of habitats from rocky uplands to wet flood plains.
Ecology
With frequent fire, the species creates a savanna, with a very diverse understory and prime habitat for the red-cockaded woodpecker.[9]
The tree frequently hybridizes naturally with loblolly pine and pitch pine where their ranges intersect. Hybridization with loblolly pine has become increasingly frequent in recent decades and results in a loss of fire tolerance.[5]
Uses
This pine is a source of wood pulp, plywood veneer, and lumber for a variety of uses. The shortleaf pine is one of the southern US "southern yellow pines"; it is also occasionally called southern yellow pine or the shortstraw pine.
