Georgia Wildlife Federation

Resources < Wildlife Habitats < Guide to Native Plants of Georgia for Wildlife < Pinus echinata

The Shortleaf Pine has one of the widest ranges of our native pine trees, and for good reason. Shortleaf Pine is an adaptable and maintenance-free tree that can survive almost any environmental conditions except for perhaps severe ice storms. Its needles, like all pines, are high in vitamin C, and have a wonderfully fragrant smell. Pine needles are just as useful to wildlife and provide nesting material and food for many bird species. They also benefit plant life and make excellent mulch. They acidify the soil slightly when they decay, and are especially useful for acid-loving plants like blueberries, mountainlaurel, native azaleas, and other Ericaceous plants. Shortleaf Pine is also a source of wood for lumber as well as mulch, nursery media, and pulpwood.

Shortleaf Pines, as well as our other native pines, have unfortunately been completely overlooked as ornamentals. One way to add more ornamental value to pines like the Shortleaf is to plant vines nearby and allow them to climb. The crimson fall color of Virginia creeper and the prolific scarlet blooms of trumper creeper pair well with the reddish bark of pines. Perhaps a more important benefit, however, is to add foliage interest. Pines tend to leaf out high in their crowns while pruning the bottom third as they grow, and vines mediate the bare boles. Other great companions to Shortleaf Pine include oaks, eastern redcedars, hickories, American hazelnuts, buckeyes, sumacs, and sweetgums.

Family: Pinaceae (Pine)

Description: Medium to large evergreen coniferous tree with an irregular crown. Branches generally occur in whorls, while bark consists of reddish brown plates. Leaves are evergreen, blue-green, 2-5” needles and occur 2-3 per bundle. Lavender male pollen cones occur alongside pink female fruiting cones in early spring. Fruits are small 1-2 ½” persistent cones.

Size: 50-100 feet tall and 15-30 feet wide

Habit: Medium to large evergreen coniferous tree

Light: Full to partial sun

Planting and Care: Pine is ideal for problem spots in virtually any landscape with poor and well-drained soil. Acid and sandy soils are preferable to calcareous or clayey ones. Shortleaf Pine requires no maintenance after planting and even prunes its own limbs as it grows. Because it is taprooted, transplants tend to establish poorly. Sow seeds in the tree’s final location or immediately transplant seedlings out of smaller pots to minimize this effect.

Ornamental Value: Shortleaf Pine, as well as other native pines, has ornamental value in the needlelike foliage which is studded with intricate brown cones throughout the fall and winter. Pines look best grouped with other pines or deciduous trees rather than as specimens. Good companions include black, post, and southern red oaks, eastern persimmon, sassafras, sparkleberry, flowering dogwood, and mountainlaurel. Virginia creeper and trumpet creeper are both wonderful climbing companions.

Landscape Use: Shortleaf Pines are ideal in places where a relatively quick result is desired. They establish easily in poor and dry sites and are extremely drought tolerant once their taproots establish. Its most substantial impact is in stands, but may also be used as a specimen. Shortleaf, Loblolly, Virginia, and Longleaf Pines are all excellent canopy trees for sunnier gardens because their needlelike foliage allows significant amounts of light to penetrate to the ground.

Wildlife Benefits: Seeds are eaten by the ground dove, quail, and wild turkey. Pine needles are eaten by grouse as well as used as nesting material by songbirds. Pine needles are consumed by the larvae of the Eastern Pine Elfin butterfly.

Native Habitat: Occurs throughout the eastern US from New York south to Florida, west to Texas, and north into the Midwest as far as Kansas. It favors upland sites, old fields, and disturbed areas.