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Pinus glabra
Walter
Spruce Pine
Pinaceae
Pinus glabra is a coniferous tree in the family Pinaceae. It is native to the southeastern United States.
Description
Pinus glabra is a medium-sized tree, growing up to 30 to 40 m with a trunk that grows up to 0.8 to 1 m wide. It forms a rounded or flat-topped crown, with branches that are horizontal, somewhat like the form of Pinus strobus (FNAEC 1993). Needles are flexible, around 5 to 8 cm in bundles of 2. They are dark green with inconspicuous bands (which are stomata) on both sides of the leaves, and they persist on the tree for 2 to 3 years. Sheaths are 5 to 10 mm long, and are persistent. Buds are 6 to 12 mm long, and are slightly resinous. The bark is gray, thin, smooth and flaky when young, eventually ridged and furrowed. Twigs are purplish brown, and are hairless and sometimes waxy. Pollen cones are typically 8 to 15 mm long, purplish tan. Seed cones are typically 4 to 7 cm long, egg-shaped, and on a short stalk up to 1 cm long. They are green, ripening to reddish brown. Cones have 60 to 90 scales that are broadly wedge-shaped, with the exposed face being diamond-shaped and relatively flat, with a small fragile prickle. These cones open to release their seeds and stay on the tree for 3 to 4 years. Seeds are 5 to 6 mm long, with a non-detachable wing that is 9 to 15 mm long (Eckenwalder 2009).
Pinus glabra is unusual in that it grows as single trees scattered among broad-leaved trees (Eckenwalder 2009). Its leaves are similar to Pinus echinata, although it has less prickly cones and darker green leaves (FNAEC 1993).
Pinus glabra is unusual in that it grows as single trees scattered among broad-leaved trees (Eckenwalder 2009). Its leaves are similar to Pinus echinata, although it has less prickly cones and darker green leaves (FNAEC 1993).
Uses
Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
Pinus glabra has few uses; its wood is of poor quality and form. It is typically not cultivated, except for Christmas trees, locally (Farjon 2013).
Distribution
Pinus glabra is found scattered in swamps or by streams. Unlike other pines, it is tolerant of shade when young, and so it can (and often does) grow under broad-leaved trees such as magnolias, hickories, and oaks. Sometimes it grows with other conifers, such as Pinus echinata, Pinus taeda, and Taxodium ditsichum (Farjon 2013). It grows at altitudes up to 150 m, and is native to eastern Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, northern Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina (FNAEC 1993).
Status
Pinus glabra is listed on the IUCN Red List as "Least Concern". Although it has undergone some decline due to fire, it is still widely distributed (Farjon 2013).
References
Eckenwalder, J. E. 2009. Conifers of the world: the complete reference. Portland: Timber Press.
Farjon, A. 2013. Pinus glabra. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42364A2975443.en.
FNAEC (Flora of North America Editorial Committee), editor. 1993. Flora of North America, north of Mexico. Volume 2: Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. New York: Oxford University Press.
Farjon, A. 2013. Pinus glabra. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42364A2975443.en.
FNAEC (Flora of North America Editorial Committee), editor. 1993. Flora of North America, north of Mexico. Volume 2: Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. New York: Oxford University Press.
Description
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