How to identify Sand pine (Pinus clausa)

How to identify Sand pine (Pinus clausa)

Sand pine, also known as Alabama pine

Sand pine is an evergreen tree reaching heights of up to 65 feet (20 meters) with a rounded to irregular canopy. Its branches spread widely, some shooting upwards, and exhibit poor self-pruning. The foliage forms a dense cover, while the bark provides a distinct texture. Despite being coniferous, sand pine showcases a somewhat lopsided growth habit, often leaning to one side due to strong winds. This species has a typical lifespan of up to 60 years.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Sand pine

Needles are 2-4 inch (5-10 cm) yellow-green, twisted with serrated edges.

Unique stem transitions from purple to red-brown to gray.

Distinct red-brown seed cones with stout prickles, 2-3.5 inches long.

Branches spread widely, some shooting upwards, poor self-pruning.

Bark starts smooth, turns scaly, then furrowed with red-brown platy texture.

Detailed Traits of Sand pine

Leaf Features

The leaves of sand pine are 2-4 inch (5-10 cm) yellow-green needles grouped in pairs per fascicle. These needles exhibit twisted margins with finely serrated edges. Lasting for 2-3 years, they play a crucial role in the plant's identification through their distinctive shape, size, and hue.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of sand pine is characterized by its smooth texture and color transition from purple to red-brown, aging to gray. It has a branching pattern that ranges from spreading to ascending, often with a poor job of self-pruning. The young stems feature cylindric purple-brown buds with distinctive white fringed scales. The overall appearance remains smooth to the touch, with its aging bark gradually becoming more textured.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of sand pine can be identified by its characteristic seed cones, which are reddish-brown and robust in texture. These cones typically measure 2-3.5 inches in length and are adorned with short stout prickles. While immature pollen cones may display a reddish-brown to grey-brown hue, seed cones are distinctly red-brown when mature, providing a clear visual cue for identification. These descriptions of the fruit are critical for recognizing sand pine accurately.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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