Spruce Pine

From Free net encyclopedia

For the town of Spruce Pine, North Carolina, see Spruce Pine, North Carolina.

"Spruce Pine" may also refer to Sand Pine.

{{Taxobox | color = lightgreen | name = Spruce Pine | status = Conservation status: Secure | image = Pinus_glabra.jpg | image_width = 240px | regnum = Plantae | divisio = Pinophyta | classis = Pinopsida | ordo = Pinales | familia = Pinaceae | genus = Pinus | subgenus = Pinus | species = P. glabra | binomial = Pinus glabra | binomial_authority = Walter }}

The Spruce Pine (Pinus glabra) is a tree found on the coastal plains of the southern United States, from southern South Carolina south to northern Florida and west to southern Louisiana. This pine is a straight-growing, medium sized species, attaining heights of 20-35 m.

The leaves are needle-like, in bundles of two, 5-8 cm long, slender (1 mm thick), and glossy dark green. The small, slender cones are 4-6 cm long, with a minute prickle on the scales.

The Spruce Pine differs markedly from most other pines in that it does not occur in largely pure pine forests, but is typically found as scattered trees in moist woodland habitats in mixed hardwood forest. An important adaptation it shows to be able to compete successfully in this habitat is greater shade tolerance than other pines.