Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Flatwoods, moist woodlands, swamps, and disturbed areas
Native State, Country: Southeastern United States
Growing Zones: 7b - 11
Size at Maturity: 75-100 feet tall, 30-50 feet wide
Phenology: Evergreen
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Fast
Growth Habit: Pyramidal when young, becoming more rounded with age; upright, spreading
Bloom Season: Spring (cones mature in fall)
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
Soil Texture: Adaptable, but prefers sandy, well-drained soils
Soil pH: Acidic to slightly alkaline
Moisture Requirements: Average to moist, but can tolerate some drought
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Moderate
Keystone Plant: No, but ecologically important
Recommended Landscape Uses: Shade tree, windbreaks, screens, reforestation, wildlife habitat
Maintenance Tips: Little maintenance required once established. Prune to shape when young, if desired. Watch for pine bark beetles and diseases.
Considerations: Susceptible to fire damage. Can become quite large, so provide adequate space.
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Moderate
Erosion Control: Yes, especially in forested areas
Nitrogen Fixing: No
Edible: Seeds (pine nuts) are edible, but small.
Pet Safe: Generally considered safe, but avoid large ingestion of needles.
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Moderate (young trees may be browsed)
Historical Medicinal Uses: Resin used by Native Americans for various medicinal purposes.
Florida Native Companion Plant:  Serenoa repens (Saw Palmetto), Quercus virginiana (Live Oak)
Wildlife Benefit: Provides food and shelter for a variety of birds and mammals.
Caterpillar Host Plant: Yes, for several species including the Pine Devil Moth
Propagation: Seed
Length of time Seed is Viable: 1-2 years
Best month to Start Seeds: Spring
Seed treatments: Stratification can improve germination rates.