Image 1 of 10
© Rolf Müller (User:Rolfmueller), some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
1 / 10
Overview
Pinus clausa is an evergreen conifer native to Florida and coastal Alabama, growing 15–60 feet (4.5–18 m) tall with a trunk 1–2 feet (30–60 cm) in diameter and an irregular, often crooked crown. The needles are borne two per bundle, 2–3.5 inches (5–9 cm) long, slender and dark green, persisting two to three years. Seed cones are 2–3.5 inches (5–9 cm) long, egg-shaped, and armed with small prickles; in the Ocala race they stay closed and held on the branches for years until heat from fire opens them, while in the Choctawhatchee race they open at maturity. The bark is thin, gray-brown, and furrowed on older trunks. The species grows in deep, sterile white sands of Florida scrub and sand ridges, often in pure stands. It tolerates drought and infertile sand but is short-lived, typically 40–60 years, and intolerant of shade, requiring open ground to regenerate. Its thin bark leaves mature trees prone to injury from ground fire.
Native Range
Pinus clausa is native to the southeastern United States, chiefly peninsular Florida and the Florida panhandle, with coastal populations in Alabama. It grows in deep, sterile sands of scrub and coastal sand ridges.Suggested Uses
Used for windbreaks, erosion control, and reforestation on dry sandy sites, and as a source of pulpwood in the Southeast. Planted on infertile sands where few other conifers establish, spaced 10–15 feet (3–4.5 m) apart.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 60'
Width/Spread10' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 30 years
Bloom Information
As a conifer, P. clausa does not flower. Pollen-bearing male cones release pollen in late winter to early spring, typically February to March. Female seed cones take about two years to mature and may stay closed on the branches long afterward.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
brown pollen cones; no true flowersFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight