Shortleaf Pine - Pinus echinata

The Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata) is an evergreen coniferous tree that has green needles and small cones.

Plant Details - Shortleaf Pine

Family: Pinaceae

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Height: 50 – 60 ft.

Spread: 30 – 50 ft.

Growth Rate: Fast

Wildlife Value: Attracts butterflies, birds

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Shortleaf Pine

Shortleaf Pine is an evergreen that is native to the southern and eastern region of the United States. It is a tree that grows fast and will fill up its space quickly. As its name suggests, it does have shorter needles than other species of pine trees.

This tree is an ideal specimen for planting in a winter garden or native garden, or in a woodland themed garden. Its needles are a great mulch for plants. You can have a shade garden underneath with other native plants including Bloodroot or Dutchman’s Breeches. This tree also makes a good living fence or privacy hedge.

This tree will do best in a location that has full sun, which is at least six hours of sunlight per day.

Plant this tree in a location with well draining and sandy soil. Water this tree consistently until it has become well established.

This tree is a low maintenance option for your property. Prune this tree when damaged or diseased branches require it.

This tree generally prefers an acidic to neutral pH.

It is deer resistant. Protect this tree when it is young and vulnerable to local wildlife damage.

This tree will attract lots of members of your wildlife community to your yard, including birds, butterflies, and mammals. Birds and mammals will eat its seeds. The birds will nest in its branches, which offer great protection especially in the winter months.

This tree has a low salt tolerance. You should avoid planting it near roadsides where there may be roadsalt runoff.

Noteworthy Characteristics

The Shortleaf Pine is a host plant for the Eastern Pine Elfin Butterfly and the Imperial Moth.

This tree is hard to find at nurseries. You found it here - Act now!

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Height at Maturity

Over 25 Feet

Care

Shortleaf Pine thrives in well-drained soils and needs regular watering, especially during dry periods. Prune young trees to maintain a central leader and remove dead or diseased branches. For optimal growth, fertilize in early spring with a proportional fertilizer.

Plant Reproduction

Shortleaf Pine spreads via seeds dispersed by wind and animals

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Trees

Bare root trees are shipped dormant without soil, making them lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to plant during the cool months of early spring or fall. To begin, soak the roots in a bucket of water for 4–6 hours before planting to rehydrate them. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and ample space for the tree’s mature size.

Dig a hole twice as wide as the spread of the roots and deep enough to keep the root flare (where the roots begin to spread from the trunk) at or slightly above ground level. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole, spread the roots evenly over it, backfill with native soil, and gently tamp down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.

Keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) during the first growing season, and apply mulch around the base—avoiding direct contact with the trunk—to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Stake the tree if necessary, and prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. With proper care, your bare root tree will establish quickly and grow strong for years to come.

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