Slash pine

Seedlings essentially without grass stage, height growth uniform after seed germination, buds scattered upstem. Leaves mostly in 3s, sometimes in 2s on same shoot, resin canals per leaf 3--5, hypodermis 2--3 cell-layers thick. Seed-cone base ± truncate when open. 2 n =24.

Lowland to upland forests, old fields, and fine white sands, mostly long-hydroperiod soils; 0--150m; Ala., Fla., Ga., La., Miss., S.C.

Pinus elliotti var. elliottii is the fastest growing of the southern yellow pines, much planted in the United States outside its range. It is very susceptible, however, to ice damage and fusiform gall inland. This is a naval stores pine, but it is considered increasingly important in plantations as a lumber and pulpwood pine. It is much planted in subtropical and warm temperate climates worldwide, particularly in Brazil.