Plant Profile: Pinus clausa

Sand Pine is a coniferous evergreen tree native to the coastal regions of Florida and Alabama, thriving in highly acidic sandy soils. This species plays a crucial role in the Florida scrub ecosystem, offering essential habitat for various wildlife. Typically reaching heights of up to 65 feet, Sand Pines feature dense branches that spread or ascend but do not shed their lower limbs effectively, resulting in a rounded or irregular crown shape. Due to their growth in hurricane-prone areas, these trees often exhibit a lean to one side. Sand Pines have a relatively short lifespan, living for about 60 years.