Pinus clausa

Common Names

Sand Pine, Scrub Pine, Spruce Pine, Ocala Pine, Choctawhatchee Pine, Alabama Pine

Summary

Sand Pine is an evergreen conifer native to Florida and adjacent Alabama, forming scrub forest canopies on xeric, well‑drained acidic sands. It typically reaches 25–40 ft tall with a 12–25 ft spread, has a dense, rounded to irregular crown, and fine-textured foliage with fragrant needles 2–4 in long arranged in pairs; cones are 1–3 in long, spiny and persistent. Two geographic varieties occur: var. clausa (Ocala sand pine) with serotinous cones and var. immuginata (Choctawhatchee sand pine) with nonserotinous cones; seeds are wind-dispersed and regeneration is fire-adapted, relying on crown-stored seeds after infrequent high-severity fires.

In cultivation, plant in open, sunny, well-drained soils; drought- and salt-tolerant once established and suitable for dry landscapes; hardiness zones 8–10; management often involves prescribed fire to mimic natural regimes, as cones open to release seeds after fire. Uses include woodland plantings, specimen trees, highway medians, reclamation, and Christmas trees (especially Choctawhatchee), with seeds providing wildlife forage and habitat for various species; the species is a relatively slow-growing, evergreen tree valued for its fine texture and resilience in sand-dominated sites.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

30-103 feet

Spread

12-25 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates partial sun and partial shade, full sun in winter and filtered sun in summer.

Soil Type

Well-drained, acidic sandy soils.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soils

Soil pH

Acidic soils (low pH)

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Fall to Winter

Foliage Color

Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

No color change

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen needle

Growth Rate

Slow growth rate.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Grafting, Basal sprouting

Attracts Wildlife

Birds: Yes, Butterflies: Yes — larval host for Eastern Pine Elfin