Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS

Nomenclature

Common Name:

sand pine

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Pinus clausa

Family:

Pinaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

tree

Size:

30-60 ft tall by 20-40 ft wide

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

NA

Fruit Color:

brown

Phenology:

Evergreen. Cones produce at young age. typically not opening until after fire. Life span typically 60-80 yrs if not burned.

Noted For:

Interesting Foliage

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Forest plantings for dry sites, specimen tree. Best not planted adjacent to buildings.

Considerations:

Roots are sensitive to disturbance.

Availability:

Native Nurseries, FNPS Plant Sales

Propagation:

Seed.

Light:

Full Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

Coming Soon!

Not wet but not extremely dry ---to--- 1Stays wet

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Moderate. Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray.

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand

Soil pH:

Acidic

Suitable to Grow In:

8A,8B,9A,9B,10A,10B

Ecology

Wildlife:

Mammals

Squirrels and other animals eat the seeds.

Native Habitats:

Dry sites. Scrub, scrubby flatwoods.

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

General Comments:

Foliage is fine-textured. Fast growing. Subject to root problems in poorly drained areas.



Highly flammible and old trees are weak.  Think twice about placing a building in a sand pine forest.