Pinus clausa aka Alabama Pine

Pinus clausa, or sand pine, is an evergreen conifer. It belongs to the pine family, Pinaceae. Its native range runs from Baldwin County, Alabama, into Florida. It grows on sandy coastal soils and forms part of Florida scrub. These sites have strongly acid soil and good drainage. The tree gives wildlife cover and food. Birds and small mammals eat its seeds. Its foliage also supports imperial moth larvae.

In gardens, sand pine reaches 25–40 feet (7.6–12.2 metres) tall. Its spread reaches 15–25 feet (4.6–7.6 metres). Smaller trees may stand just 15 feet (4.6 metres) tall. Other accounts give heights of 65 feet (19.8 metres). Rare trees can reach 100 feet (30.5 metres). Growth is slow, and life spans may reach 60 years. The crown can be rounded, oval, or uneven. Trunks often bend or lean, while branches spread or rise. The tree sheds its lower branches poorly.

The thin bark starts smooth, with red-brown or gray-brown tones. As it ages, patches become scaly and furrowed. Upper bark can remain smoother than bark below. Slender twigs range from reddish brown to gray-brown. The yellow-green needles grow in pairs and have fine teeth. Each needle lasts two to three years. The foliage stays green through fall. Sand pine has no true flowers; it bears cones instead. Its brown seed cones have short, stout spines. They can stay attached long enough for twigs to engulf them.

Grow this pine in full sun and soil that drains well. It suits dry sand but also tolerates loam and clay. It accepts acid soil and mildly alkaline soil. Both drought and salt spray pose little trouble. Heat and poor soil are also within its tolerance. Florida guidance gives USDA zones 7a–10b; North Carolina lists 9a–10b. Growers raise new plants from seed. The tree needs little pruning for landscape use.

Its uneven form suits a specimen planting with room to spread. Uses include shade, roadside plantings, and restoring poor sites. Growers shear it for Christmas trees. Its wood has supplied pulp and ship masts. Wind can damage the crown, and branches can break. Fallen needles and cones create litter. Florida guidance reports no major pest or disease concerns. North Carolina lists beetles, sawyers, and weevils among possible pests. Florida guidance also flags it as a potentially weedy native.