sand pine
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sand pine
Pinus clausa
The sand pine is a special tree that grows in sandy areas. It has long, slender needles and produces small cones. This tree is important for providing homes to many animals!
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The sand pine is a medium-sized conifer, often appearing scraggly or twisted with a narrow, open crown. It has short, dark green needles, usually in bundles of two, that give it a somewhat bristly look. Its small, egg-shaped cones are typically light brown and remain tightly closed.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPinopsidaOrderPinalesFamilyPinaceaeGenusPinus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its cones often stay sealed shut for many years, waiting for fire to open them!
Sand pine needles are quite short and twisted, helping them conserve precious water.
Some sand pines can live for around 60 years, which is quite short for a pine tree!
This pine can grow even in very dry, nutrient-poor sandy soil where other trees struggle.
Special abilities
Ability
Fire Starter Cone
Sand pine has serotinous cones that only open and release seeds when exposed to the extreme heat of a forest fire, helping it reproduce after burns.
Ability
Sandy Soil Survivor
The sand pine can thrive in very poor, dry, sandy soils because its roots efficiently extract water and nutrients.
Ability
Rapid Rebirth
Sand pine can quickly grow and colonize areas after a fire, helping to re-establish the forest ecosystem rapidly.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 1000-2100 cm
- Spread
- 300-600 cm
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eats
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
Consumes the seeds from sand pine cones.
eats
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Browses on the young shoots and needles.
eats
Oldfield Mouse
Peromyscus polionotus
Forages for fallen seeds released from cones.
shelters
Florida Scrub-Jay
Aphelocoma coerulescens
Uses sand pines for nesting and cover in scrub habitats.
Traits
Coniferous
Coniferous plants are typically evergreen, bearing needles or scales and reproductive cones.
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Timber
Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Be careful around trees and don't climb without an adult.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is sand pine?
1000-2100 cm
How wide does sand pine spread?
300-600 cm
Is sand pine edible?
Yes
Is sand pine toxic?
None
What is sand pine's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is sand pine pollinated?
Wind
Where is sand pine usually found?
Coastal areas
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