Landowner Fact Sheets

slash pine Pinus elliottii

Slash pine is an important commercial timber tree of the U.S. southeast Atlantic and Gulf coastal plain. In addition, rapid juvenile growth makes the species useful for soil stabilization. Slash pine needles are 7 to 10 inches long, and typically occur in bundles of 3.

range map Click to see more images. wood grain

Light
Clearcuts, seed-trees, and shelterwoods are utilized for slash pine regeneration. Overstory trees should be removed promptly following seedling establishment in order to take full advantage of rapid juvenile growth.

Water
Slash pine is widely planted in the southeast. Naturally, slash pine would be found on moist soils. With the exclusion of fire, slash pine invades dry, upland sites.

Growth

Size
A medium sized tree with a narrowly ovoid crown capable of reaching over 100 feet tall. Needles appear to be tufted at the ends of the branches.

Timber Value
Slash pine is used for construction lumber, railroad ties, poles, pilings, and chemical extracts.

Wildlife Value
Seeds are eaten by various birds and small mammals. Slash pine's dense foliage provides shelter during periods of harsh weather.
Attracts birds, squirrels, deer

Insects and Diseases

Fun Facts
Slash pine is a traditional source of naval stores; products such as resin and turpentine. A separate variety (var. densa) has been distinguished in south Florida. Slash pine is used for a variety of pine products.

Latin Meaning
Pinus: Latin name for pine from Greek "pitus" / elliottii: after American botanist Stephen Elliott

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Landowner Factsheets © 2004 Virginia Tech Forestry Department, all rights reserved. Text, images, and programming by: Dr. Jeff Kirwan, Dr. John R. Seiler, John A. Peterson, Edward C. Jensen, Guy Phillips, or Andrew S. Meeks.