// SPECIES PROFILE · TREE · NATIVE

Shortleaf Pine

Pinus echinata

Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata) is a tree in the Pinaceae family. Native range includes AR, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 6a–9a. Mature size 52'–130'. Blooms Feb–Mar.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: Pinaceae
Group: tree
Native range: Native to 23 U.S. states, including AL, AR, DC, DE, FL, GA…
USDA hardiness: Zones 6a–9a
Mature size: 52'–130'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium
Bloom: Feb–Mar
Wildlife value: High — pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: signature Ouachita pine · fire-adapted upland conifer

Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata) — *Pinus echinata* — Shortleaf Pine. Photo via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata) is a tree in the Pinaceae family. Native range includes AR, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 6a–9a. Mature size 52'–130'. Blooms Feb–Mar.

Why it's on this list: signature Ouachita pine · fire-adapted upland conifer. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, shortleaf pine pairs naturally with: American Holly (Ilex opaca), American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), Black Cherry (Prunus serotina).