Pinus echinata aka Arkansas Pine

Pinus echinata, or shortleaf pine, is an evergreen tree. It belongs to the pine family, Pinaceae. Its native range spans much of the eastern United States. It reaches from southeastern New York west to eastern Oklahoma. It extends south to southern Texas and northern Florida. In Missouri, it grows on dry, rocky or sandy Ozark uplands.

In gardens, it often reaches 50–60 feet [15–18.3 metres]. NC State gives a taller range of 80–100 feet [24.4–30.5 metres]. Wild trees can exceed 140 feet [42.7 metres]. Reported widths reach 35–40 feet [10.7–12.2 metres]. This fast-growing pine has a straight trunk and open crown. Its crown starts pyramid-shaped and widens with age. The slender branches bear flexible, dark blue-green needles. These grow in groups of two or three. Needles measure about 0.25–0.42 feet [0.08–0.13 metres] long. Some stay on the tree for five years. Young bark is dark and rough. Older bark forms brown, scaly plates with small resin pores. New twigs show green and purple before turning red-brown.

This pine has cones rather than flowers. Young male cones are pale purple; female cones are pale pink. Trees often reach about 20 years before forming seed cones. Brown cones measure about 0.13–0.21 feet [0.04–0.06 metres] long. Each cone scale ends in a short spine. Seeds leave the cones from fall into winter. Empty cones can cling to branches for years. Birds, squirrels and other small mammals eat the seeds. The foliage gives wildlife cover through winter. It also feeds imperial moth and eastern pine elfin larvae.

Grow shortleaf pine in full sun and well-drained soil. It accepts light shade and a broad range of soils. Sandy loam suits it best. Dry to moderately moist soil meets its needs. Established trees tolerate drought and dry ground. Sources place it in USDA zones 6–9. Its deep taproot makes wild trees hard to transplant. Missouri Botanical Garden suggests shelter near its northern range limit.

Shortleaf pine suits native gardens, woodland sites and naturalized ground. Young trees can serve as screens. Its evergreen foliage adds interest in winter. People use its wood for lumber, plywood and pulp. The tree also supplies material for turpentine. Healthy trees tend to have few problems and need little upkeep. Pine beetles and weevils can attack them. Wind can damage the tree, though deer cause less harm. Its high fire risk makes sites near homes unsuitable.