Fauna
Plant

Slash Pine

Pinus elliottii

Also known as Swamp Pine, Yellow Slash Pine, Southern Florida Pine

Slash pine dominates wet flatwoods and swamp edges across the Southeastern coastal plain, forming open, sun-dappled canopies. Long, glossy needles held in bundles of two or three produce a distinct rustling sound in coastal breezes, while its dense, resinous wood provides exceptional structural strength. Fire plays a crucial role in its life cycle, clearing competing hardwoods and opening bare soil where winged seeds readily germinate.

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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPhotosynthetic
Predators
  • Southern Pine Beetle
  • Pine Webworm
  • Sawflies
ThreatsPine beetle outbreaks, severe wildfires, urban development
HabitatsWet flatwoods, swamp borders, coastal plains
Life span150–200 years
Classification
  1. OrderPinales
  2. FamilyPinaceae
  3. GenusPinus
  4. SpeciesPinus elliottii
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Needle Count: Look for flexible needles grouped in pairs or triplets, measuring 18 to 28 centimeters long.
  • Bark Observation: Check for reddish-brown, deeply furrowed bark that breaks into thin, papery scales.
  • Cone Identification: Examine mature seed cones, which are glossy brown, egg-shaped, and 8 to 15 centimeters long.
Related species
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