Short-Leaf Pine

Description

Pyramidal tree in youth, developing a well-formed trunk and a small, pyramidal crown that opens with age; 80' to 100' in height, less under landscape conditions, perhaps 50' to 60'. Needles in fascicles of 2, but also in 3's on the same tree, occasionally the latter number predominates, 3" to 5" long, dark bluish-green, slender, finely toothed, flexible, persistent the 2nd through the 4th season, resin ducts 1 to 4, medial. Cones ovoid-oblong to conical, nearly sessile, 1 1/2" to 2 1/2" long, usually persistent for several years; umbo dorsal and armed with a small, sharp, straight or curved, sometimes deciduous prickle.