Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii)

Plantae>Coniferophyta>Pinopsida>Pinales>Pinaceae>Pinus elliottii Engelmann var. elliottii

Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii)

This large pine, native from southern South Carolina to Florida to Louisiana, is commonly planted in North Carolina and sometimes escapes from cultivation.

It is similar to the native Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda), but generally only has 2-3 needles per bundle (versus 3-4 for Loblolly) and the cones have slender prickles. The needles are long, intermediate between those of Loblolly and Longleaf.

All photos: Bodie Island Lighthouse, Dare Co., NC 11/11/06.

Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii)

This seedling is an escapee.

Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii) cone

The glossy chestnut-brown cones are not as prickly as those of Loblolly Pine.

Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii) cone

Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii) bark

Bark detail.

More information:
Conifers.org
Floridata
Smithsonian Marine Station
US Forest Service Silvics Manual
Virginia Tech Dendrology

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