Sand Pine
Location
Trees in The Gardens
- Common Name: Sand Pine
- Scientific Name: Pinus clausa
- Family Name: Pinaceae
- Origin: Southeast United States
- Height: Typically 15 to 40 ft tall, but is known to grow up to 100 ft
- Width: 15 to 25 ft
- Growth: Slow
- Zone: USDA Zones 7A through 10B
- Light needs: Full sun
- Salt tolerance: Tolerant of some salt spray, but not tolerant of saltwater inundation.
- Soil/pH/Texture: Prefers sandy, well-drained, infertile soil with an acidic pH lower than 6.0.
- Moisture: Low water need once established.
- Drought tolerance: High
- Pests/Diseases: Bark beetles and sawflies. Sand pine is significantly less fire resistant than other pine species and it will likely die if a fire occurs.
- Growing conditions: Sind pine should be grown in a dry, well-drained area with plenty of sun. Regular pruning may be needed, as this plant self-prunes poorly. This tree naturally occurs in scrub habitat, and therefore should be planted in an open, clear area free of nearby trees. It often has a leaning habit.
- Characteristics: The reddish-brown bark is fissured and flaky. The branches and leaves typically form a narrow, open crown. The simple, needle-like leaves grow alternately along the stem and are typically 2 to 4 inches long. The cones are small, about 1 to 3 inches long.
- Propagation: By seed.
- Wildlife: The cones are a food source for small animals.
- Facts: These trees provide habitat for the endangered Florida sand skink. It is often harvested for wood pulp.
- Designer considerations: It is often not recommended as a standalone tree because of its leaning and branching habit, but its great for large-scale landscapes and for reclamation sites.
