General: Slash pine (Pinus elliottii) is one of the hard yellow pines indigenous to southeastern United States. The slash pine is a medium to large tree that reaches heights of 80' to 100' tall. It has a round top and "brooms" of needles at the ends of the branches. Its’ needles may be 5" to 11" long and are borne 2 to 3 to a fascicle. The orange-brown bark is scaly with plates. It is durable and hard, nearly equivalent to that of longleaf pine (Pinus palustrus). It has thick, plate-like bark with an extensive root system, and a moderate taproot. Its cones measure 8-16 cm (3 – 6 inches) long, and are a glossy brown color. And the cone scales are thin with fine prickles

Pinus elliottii var. elliottii is found in the Coastal Plain of north and Central Florida. Whereas, the Southern slash pine or Pinus elliottii var,. densa is found in South Florida, West Indies, Guatemala, and Honduras in Central America.

The slash pine is commonly associated with the loblolly pine (Pinus taeda); however, the length and number of needles per fascicle, cones, and bark can be used to differentiate them.

Distribution: The slash pine can be found on coastal plains throughout the Indian River Lagoon area, and in freshwater upland areas. It occurs on coastal plains from South Carolina to Central Florida, and west to Louisiana. The Pinus elliottii occurs from Central Florida through South Florida and the Florida Keys. Slash pine was introduced in Kentucky, Virginia and eastern Texas in the 1900's, and now reproduces naturally within these states.

Habitat: The climate within the natural range of slash pine is warm and humid, and it likes wet summers, drier falls and springs. It grows well with rainfall averages about 1270 mm (50 in) per year, and summer rains of 13 mm (0.5 in) or more occur about four times per month. The mean annual temperature in the slash pine region is 17° C (63° F), with extremes of 41° C (106° F) and -18° C (0° F), and a growing season of 250 days. The slash Pine grows well on a variety of acidic soils in full sun or partial shade. It does poorly in basic soil (high pH) and is not recommended for irrigation water has a high pH. Once established, it is more tolerant of wet sites than most other pines and is moderately salt-tolerant. It is not highly drought-tolerant, but more so than most other pines. The horizontal branches break easily in ice storms. It is not recommended to plant the tree too close to high traffic areas, since shaded lower branches, die and drop, as the tree grows taller. This is dangerous because branches could fall on people or vehicles, unless there is a regular maintenance plan to remove them.

Pinus elliottii Engelm.:
United States (North America)
South Africa (Africa & Madagascar)
China (Asia)
Brazil (South America)

United States

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

P. elliottii var elliottii occurs on coastal plains from South Carolina to Central Florida, and west to Louisiana. P. elliottii var densa occurs from Central Florida through South Florida and the Florida Keys. Slash pine has also been introduced into Kentucky, Virginia and eastern Texas, and now reproduces naturally in these locations. Slash pine occurs on coastal plains throughout the Indian River Lagoon area, most commonly in freshwater upland areas.

The slash pine grows in the infertile soils of sandhills, flatwoods, and near wet lowlands, such as swamps and ponds. Soils within its range are mostly Spodosols, Ultisols, and Entisols. Spodosols, Entisols are common along the coasts of Florida while the Ultisols are in the northern part of the range. Originally, slash pines were found in moist, well-drained aerated soils, of the southeastern United States, particularly along pond, stream, and lake margins. This habitat preference is a reflection of the susceptibility of the seedlings to fire, with the advent of fire protection, slash pine has spread to drier soils in the southeast and Texas. Although slash pine is adaptable to a variety of site and topographic conditions, it grows best on pond margins and in drainages where soil moisture is ample but not excessive and the soil is well aerated.

Trees to 30m; trunk to 0.8m diam., straight to contorted; crown conic, becoming rounded or flattened. Bark orange- to purple-brown, irregularly furrowed and cross-checked into large, irregularly rectangular, papery-scaly plates. Branches spreading to ascending; twigs stout (to ca. 1cm thick), orange-brown, aging darker brown, rough-scaly. Buds cylindric, silvery brown, 1.5--2cm; scale margins fringed. Leaves 2 or 3 per fascicle, spreading or ascending, persisting ca. 2 years, 15--20(--23)cm ´ 1.2--1.5mm, straight, slightly twisted, pliant, yellow- to blue-green, all surfaces with stomatal lines, margins finely serrulate, apex abruptly acute to acuminate; sheath 1--2cm, base persistent. Pollen cones cylindric, 30--40mm, purplish. Seed cones maturing in 2 years, falling the year after seed-shed, single or in pairs, symmetric, lance-ovoid before opening, ovoid or ovoid-cylindric when open, (7--)9--18(--20)cm, light chocolate brown, on stalks to 3cm; apophyses lustrous (as if varnished), slightly raised, strongly cross-keeled; umbo central, depressed-pyramidal, with short, stout prickle. Seeds ellipsoid, oblique-tipped; body 6--7mm, dark brown; wing to 20mm.

Tree, Evergreen, Monoecious, Habit erect, Trees without or rarely having knees, Tree with bark rough or scaly, Young shoots 3-dimensional, Buds not resinous, Leaves needle-like, Leaves alternate, Needle-like leaf margins finely serrulate (use magnification or slide your finger along the leaf), Leaf apex acute, Leaves > 5 cm long, Leaves > 10 cm long, Leaves blue-green, Needle-like leaves triangular, Needle-like leaves somewhat rounded, Needle-like leaves twisted, Needle-like leaf habit erect, Needle-like leaves per fascicle mostly 2, Needle-like leaves per fascicle mostly 3, Needle-like leaf sheath persistent, Twigs glabrous, Twigs viscid, Twigs not viscid, Twigs without peg-like projections or large fascicles after needles fall, Berry-like cones orange, Woody seed cones > 5 cm long, Seed cones bearing a scarlike umbo, Umbo with obvious prickle, Bracts of seed cone included, Seeds brown, Seeds winged, Seeds unequally winged, Seed wings prominent, Seed wings equal to or broader than body.

Trees to 30 m tall; trunk to 0.8 m d.b.h. in native range; bark orange- or purple-brown, furrowed into irregularly oblong, large, papery, scaly plates; crown conical, becoming rounded or flat topped; branchlets orange-brown, aging darker brown, stout, roughly scaly, producing 3 or 4 nodes each year; winter buds silvery brown, cylindric, scales fringed at margin. Needles 2 or 3 per bundle, slightly twisted, yellow- or blue-green, 15-20 (-24) cm × 0.2-1.5 mm, stomatal lines present on all surfaces, base with persistent sheath 1-2 cm, margin finely serrulate. Seed cones solitary or paired, pedunculate (peduncle to 3 cm), pale brown, ovoid or ovoid-cylindric when open, (7-)9-18(-20) cm, maturing in 2 years, then falling the year after seeds shed. Apophyses lustrous, slightly raised, strongly cross keeled; umbo depressed-pyramidal, with a short, stout prickle. Seeds dark brown, ellipsoid, 6-7 mm, apex oblique; wing to 2 cm.

Slash pines may live as long as 200 years. The typical variety grows to 18 - 30.5 m (60-100 feet), while the south Florida slash pine grows to only 17 m (56 feet) in height. trunk width in both varieties generally measures 61 cm (24 inches) (Harlow et al. 1979; Wright and Bailey 1982; Lohrey and Kossuth 1990).

Pinus heterophylla (Elliott) Sudworth, 1893, not K. Koch, 1849; P. taeda Linnaeus var. heterophylla Elliott

Systems

• Terrestrial

Comments: Restricted to low elevations and normally occurs on wet flatlands along borders of ponds, streams, rivers, and bays (Elias, 1980).

Cultivated. Anhui (Jing Xian), Fujian (Minhou Xian), Guangdong, Guangxi, Hubei (Wuhan Shi), Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi (Ji’an Xian), Taiwan, Yunnan (Kunming Shi), Zhejiang [native to SE United States]

The slash pines are monoecious, and often hybridize with other pines such as loblolly pine (P. taeda), sand pine (P. clausa) and longleaf pine (P. palustris). They begin producing cones at approximately 10-15 years of age. The typical variety produces good cone crops every 3 years, while the south Florida variety produce good cone crops every 4 years. It has been estimated that 90% of the winged seeds from slash pines fall within 46 m (150 feet) of the parent tree.

The male strobili begin to develop in June, and grow for several weeks. It enters a dormant state until midwinter. Pollen is shed from January through February. The female strobili develop in late August and cones mature in September, approximately 20 months after being pollinated. Natural seed fall occurs from October to March.

The germination occurs within two weeks following seedfall. The slash pine seedlings in their first year are grass-like in appearance. Seedlings can have a year grass stage similar to that of longleaf pines (P. palustris). Grass-stage seedlings develop extensive root systems and root collars (Harlow et al. 1979). Root development in influenced by soil texture and structure, clay and clay loam soils produce larger roots than does sandy soil. Soils with a high presence of mycorrhizae have a positive influence on seedling root development and survival. Growth is rapid in the first year, with seedlings reaching heights of approximately 41 cm (16 inches).

Slash pine grown for commercial production is generally established in plantations using genetically improved planting stock. Sites selected for planting are usually site prepared by flat disking, chopping, or bedding. Disking and chopping are effective on dry sandy soils where control of competing vegetation is a problem and one is trying to reduce the use of chemical application for competition control. However, on sites with a shallow water table bedding will increase rooting space, aeration and increase seedling survival and growth. On droughty sites, bedding can be used if the site is irrigated and vegetation is controlled. These treatments are the standard for contemporary slash pine plantation management. Control of weeds, woody shrub, and herbaceous species is a vital part of increased slash pine plantation productivity.

Plantation establishment from seedling is usually with 1-2 year old bare root seedlings or container seedlings. When out planting seedling by hand or machine care must be taken to insure that the roots are planted straight down to, avoid seedling mortality. Because many slash pine site are low in available phosphorus and nitrogen each site should be soil tested to determine the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus needed to ensure seedling survival and volume growth

Autotrophic.Competitors: Slash pines are relatively intolerant of shading and competitors, showing decreased growth rates under shaded and crowded conditions (Langdon and Bennett 1976).Habitats: Slash pines are common on pine flatwoods throughout its range. Common community types include oak-pine, longleaf-slash pine, southern mixed forests, and southern floodplain forests. It grows best on mesic (dry) flatwoods and near pod or stream margins, but also grows well in poorly drained soils, or in areas that are flooded from time to time (Lohrey and Kossuth 1990). However, seeds will become established in flooded areas (Hebb and Clewell 1976).

Slash pine associates are varied. Plant associates include other canopy trees such as live oak (Quercus virginiana), and cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto); and understory plants such as bluestems (Andropogon spp.), saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) and gallbery (Ilex glabra).Animals associated with slash pines include species that utilize it for protection and cover, as well as those that consume it. Seeds of this tree are eaten by birds and small mammals. Cattle and deer browse its seedlings (Lohrey and Kossuth 1990). Some birds such as the bald eagle and the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker nest in slash pines, though the latter species tends to prefer other trees as nesting habitat (Jackson 1971).

Slash pines are common throughout the Indian River Lagoon system.Locomotion: Sessile.

Slash pines are monoecious. They often hybridize with other pines such as loblolly pine (P. taeda), sand pine (P. clausa) and longleaf pine (P. palustris). The begin producing cones at approximately 10-15 years of age. The typical variety produces good cone crops every 3 years, while the south Florida variety produce good cone crops every 4 years. It has been estimated that 90% of the winged seeds from slash pines fall within 46 m (150 feet) of the parent tree (Lohrey and Kossuth 1990).Male strobili begin to develop in June. These grow for several weeks, but then enter a dormant state until midwinter. Pollen is shed from January through February. Female strobili develop in late August and become fully developed. Cones mature in September, approximately 20 months after being pollinated. Seedfall occurs in October (Lohrey and Kossuth 1990).

Germination occurs within two weeks following seedfall. Slash pine seedlings in their first year are grass-like in appearance. Seedlings of south Florida slash pine have a 2 - 6 year grass stage similar to that of longleaf pines (P. palustris). Grass-stage seedlings develop extensive root systems and root collars (Harlow et al. 1979). Growth is rapid in the first year, with seedlings reaching heights of approximately 41 cm (16 inches).

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 5
Species: 7
Species With Barcodes: 1

United States

Rounded National Status Rank: N5 - Secure

Rounded Global Status Rank: G5 - Secure

Reasons: Common tree in Florida and in coastal regions of Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and the southern part of South Carolina.

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural Resources for this plant’s current status (e.g. threatened or endangered species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

Fusiform rust (Cronartium quercuum f. sp. fusiforme), annosus root rot (Heterobasidion annosum), and Fusarium moniliforme var subglutinans are the most serious pest of slash pines Fusiform rust, an obligate parasite requiring two living host trees pine and oak leaves to complete its life cycle. The fungus cannot spread from pine to pine, but must return to the oak leaves to produce the spores that in turn infect pine. The disease which develops at or near the point of infection, result in tapered, spindle-shaped swells, called galls, on branches and stems of pines.

Annosus root rot is a fungal disease that infects freshly cut stumps of slash pine, and spreads to other trees by root contact. Diseased or dead and dying trees are usually found in groups.

The slash pines can be damaged by insects pests such as the pales weevil (Hylobius pales), that invades logging areas and feeds on the bark of young seedling, girdling the stem and causing wilting and death. Blockheaded pine sawfly (Tetralopha rosbustella) or several different needle feeders may defoliate young trees. The black turpentine beetle (Dendroctonus terebrans), engraver beetles (Ips spp.), can become major problems especially in naval store plantations. The southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis), is not a major of slash pine except in areas where the growing environment has placed the trees under stress.

These materials are readily available from commercial plant sources. Contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly Soil Conservation Service) office for more information. Look in the phone book under ”United States Government.” The Natural Resources Conservation Service will be listed under the subheading “Department of Agriculture.”

Benefit in IRL: Slash pines provide habitat and food for birds and small mammals, and are an important component of many natural communities. Slash pines are an important source of timber in the U.S. Its strong, heavy wood is used for construction. Due to its high resin content, it is useful for producing poles, railroad ties, pilings, turpentine, and rosin (McCulley 1950; Wade 1983; Duncan and Duncan 1988; McCune 1988; Lohrey and Kossuth 1990).

Commercial uses: Slash pine is used for reforestation projects and timber plantations throughout the southeastern United States. Its pines produced turpentine and crude rosins used for a variety of purpose (i.e., poles, railroad ties, pilings, turpentine, and rosin).

Wildlife uses: The slash pine seeds are an excellent food source for gray and fox squirrels and wild turkey.