Tennessee Smart Yards Native Plants
A comprehensive database of Tennessee native plants
Shortleaf Pine, Yellow Pine, Spruce Pine
Shortleaf Pine, Yellow Pine, Spruce PinePinus echinataFull sun preferred but tolerates partial shade; medium to dry moisture level; prefers sandy soil but tolerates a range of soils including rocky, sandy loam, and medium loam; acidic pH.50-60 feet height by 20-35 feet spread; very inconspicuous light green to red female flowers and red male flowers in early spring; cylindrical, brown cones, 1 ½ to 2 ½ inches long, in fall.Growth Rate: FastMaintenance: Few insect or disease problems. Fertilize 3 times per year with lawn fertilizer at 3:1:2 ratio. Prune as needed to maintain shape.Propagation: Seed germination code ANative Region: Scattered statewideLarge, evergreen tree with a broad, open crown. Most widely distributed of the southern yellow pines and the hardiest and most adaptable of the southern pines. Important timber species. However not noted for its ornamental value and is best used in a naturalized setting. Quilt-like, scaly, reddish-brown bark of mature trees is its most striking feature. Forms a deep taproot so somewhat difficult to transplant. An 8 year old tree may have a 14 foot taproot. Cones usually not produced until 20 years of age. Native to dry, sandy, acidic soils of rocky, wooded ravines, bluffs and upland areas. Drought tolerant.Attracts butterflies and is larval host for the Elfin butterfly. Provides cover and nesting sites for birds. Seeds attract small mammals and some birds.tree;sun;medium;loam |
 Photo Courtesy of Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center http://www.wildflower.org/  Photo Courtesy of Southeastern Flora http://www.southeasternflora.com/  Photo Courtesy of Southeastern Flora http://www.southeasternflora.com/  Photo Courtesy of Southeastern Flora http://www.southeasternflora.com/  Photo Courtesy of Southeastern Flora http://www.southeasternflora.com/ |
Tennessee Smart Yards Native Plants 