Family: Pinaceae
Author: Mill.
Bibliography: Gard. Dict. ed. 8.: n.° 12 (1768)
Year: 1768
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Pinus
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: EC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
The Arkansas pine, known scientifically as Pinus echinata, is an evergreen tree belonging to the Pinaceae family. This robust species is primarily found in the ecologically diverse regions of Central and Eastern United States, where it thrives in a variety of habitats, particularly favoring well-drained sandy soils and rocky ridges.
The Arkansas pine is notable for its resilience and adaptability. Mature trees typically reach impressive heights, often standing between 50 to 100 feet tall, with a trunk diameter that can extend up to 2 to 3 feet. The bark of Pinus echinata is characterized by its reddish-brown color and rough, scaly texture, which becomes increasingly furrowed with age.
The leaves of the Arkansas pine are needle-like, arranged in fascicles of two or three, and usually measure between 3 to 5 inches in length. These needles persist through the seasons, contributing to the tree’s dense, evergreen canopy which offers habitat and food for various wildlife.
One of the distinguishing features of the Arkansas pine is its cones. These small, ovate cones, which generally range from 1.5 to 2.5 inches in length, are armed with sharp, recurved spines, lending the species its scientific name, echinata, derived from the Latin word for spiny. The seeds within these cones are a crucial part of the ecosystem, providing nourishment for birds and small mammals.
Historically, the Arkansas pine has been utilized extensively for its timber. Its strong yet lightweight wood is valued in construction, particularly in the production of lumber, plywood, and pulpwood. Reforestation efforts and sustainable harvesting practices are essential to maintain this valuable natural resource.
In addition to its economic importance, the Arkansas pine plays a pivotal role in its native landscape. It helps prevent soil erosion, supports biodiversity, and acts as a carbon sink, thereby contributing to the mitigation of climate change.
The species was first described in the eighth edition of Philip Miller’s “Gardener’s Dictionary” in 1768. Since its identification, Pinus echinata has been a subject of interest for its ecological significance and its practical applications.
Overall, the Arkansas pine exemplifies both the resilience and utility of North American conifers. Its ability to adapt to various environments and its economic value underscore its importance within the Pinaceae family and the broader ecosystem.
Common Names
Eng: arkansas pine, shortleaf pine, short-leaf-pine, shortleaf yellow pine, shortstraw pine, southern pine, southern yellow pine, yellow pine
Deu: fichten-kiefer, gelbkiefer, igelkiefer
Ita: pino a aghi corti, pino piceiforme
Hun: sünfenyo
Fra: pin épineux
Por: pinheiro, pinheiro-amarelo, pinheiro-amarelo-de-folha-curta, pinheiro-da-carolina-do-norte, pinheiro-de-folha-curta, pinheiro-pobre, pinus
Zho: 萌芽松 (meng ya song)
En: Arkansas pine, Shortleaf pine, Southern pine, Short-leaf-pine, Shortleaf yellow pine, Shortstraw pine, Southern yellow pine, Yellow pine
Zh: Meng ya song, 萌芽松, 萌芽松 (meng ya song)
Cs: Borovice ježatá
Et: Siilmänd
Fi: Lyhytneulasmänty
Fr: Pin épineux
De: Fichtenkiefer, Fichten-Kiefer, Gelbkiefer, Igelkiefer
Hu: Sünfenyo
Is: Ígulfura
It: Pino piceiforme, Pino a aghi corti
Fa: کاج برگکوتاه
Pt: Pinheiro, Pinheiro-amarelo, Pinheiro-amarelo-de-folha-curta, Pinheiro-da-carolina-do-norte, Pinheiro-de-folha-curta, Pinheiro-pobre, Pinus
Ru: Сосна короткохвойная
Zh-hant: 萌芽松
Synonyms
- Pinus mitis (Michx.)
- Pinus virginiana var. echinata ((Mill.) Du Roi)
- Pinus squarrosa (Walter)
- Pinus royleana (Jameson ex Lindl.)
- Pinus variabilis ((Aiton) Lamb.)
- Pinus mitis var. paupera (Alph.Wood)
- Pinus taeda var. variabilis (Aiton)
- Pinus taeda var. echinata ((Mill.) Castigl.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
Additional Images
Bark
Taken May 10, 2020 by Raphael Weiß (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 7, 2022 by tigo grit (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 7, 2021 by Petr (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 17, 2022 by Amanda Lyons (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2020 by steve Patterson (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken Nov 19, 2014 by EOL − nikaylahughes (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 18, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Robert L. Anderson, USDA Forest Service (cc-by)
Taken Nov 23, 2014 by EOL − jgore0213 (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Jason Sturner (cc-by)
Leaf
Taken Nov 14, 2014 by EOL − Doug Raybuck (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 18, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 18, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 18, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Fruit
Taken Oct 18, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 12, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 12, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 22, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 18, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 4, 2020 by alperen meester (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 12, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5285324)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:262913-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pinus echinata Mill.)