Sand Pine-Pinus clausa

Sand pine is predominately in central Florida and is known as scrub pine. Stands regenerate on well-drained to excessively drained, infertile, acidic sandy soils. They will begin producing serotinous cones as early as age 5. Birds and small mammals prey on these cones but ants are more numerous and probably the most destructive. Sand pine is susceptible to windthrow. In an effort to establish itself, sand pine root structures focus mostly on lateral root support to create a wide stable anchor.

This species

•  is best suited for use as a fuel wood or potential biomass feedstock plantation

• can produce on a 2 by 3 foot spacing, as much as 3.18 tons/acre of annual dry weight yields in an 18 year old plantation

• has been cultivated for the Christmas tree markets

• are typically 7 to 10 feet tall and can be produced on 5 year rotations.