Species PlantsSand Pine

Sand Pine

Pinus clausa

UncommonPlant
Illustration of Sand Pine (Pinus clausa)

Sand Pine is the characteristic tree of Florida scrub, the ancient, drought-prone upland habitat found on old sand dunes and ridges throughout peninsular Florida. Its serotinous cones remain closed for years, releasing seeds after fire clears the scrub — a reproductive strategy tightly tied to the scrub's natural fire cycle. The Florida Scrub-Jay, a federally threatened species, depends on open scrub maintained by fire. Sand Pine scrub is one of the most imperiled ecosystems in North America due to development pressure.

Habitat
Deep sandy soils of ancient ridges, sand dunes, and scrub habitats throughout peninsular Florida.
Diet
Seeds consumed by Florida Scrub-Jays, various sparrows, and small rodents; serotinous cones require fire to open.
How common
Uncommon

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